Extra time for officials?

By Pete Sanderson

Loyal servants
As things stand Pierluigi Collina and Kim Milton Nielsen must blow the whistle on their careers in December when they reach the cut off age of 45. But, as referees take their fitness levels to new heights, some believe it would be sensible to raise the age limit to ensure European football does not lose two valuable officials.

Great record
Collina's finest hour arrived when he took charge of the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Brazil in Japan. He is still regarded as one of the world's top referees and was the man in the middle for the opening game at UEFA EURO 2004™ and the finals of the 1996 Olympic Games men's football tournament and the UEFA Champions League [1998/99].

Fresh talent
Many believe Collina is simply too good to bid arrivederci to the game this year. He is still one of the fittest referees in the business and, if anything, is getting better by the season. The Italian referee's union is lobbying to raise the retirement age to 48 – but the general feeling is Collina will retire at the end of the year. "I have to do as the rules oblige me to do," said Collina. "Deciding this on the basis of your identity papers is a bit arbitrary if you are still physically fit but other referees have done so in the past and perhaps it is time for some good young referees to take my place."

Half century
Nielsen too will be sorely missed when he leaves the football arena at the end of the year. He recently became the first referee to take charge of 50 games in the Champions League and has admitted he would love to be given the chance to extend his career. "I think age limit is always a difficult area when it comes to refereeing," he told uefa.com.

Tired legs
"It is obviously very sad for me knowing that this season will be my last season as an élite referee because I have so many great memories from throughout my career," he added. "But if I am totally honest I can feel my body getting a little bit tired now – I feel it more than I used to. But then that's not surprising when you consider I have been on the list since 1988 - I'd still love to continue if I was given the chance though."

Too early
Portuguese referee Lucílio Batista believes Collina and Niesen should be given to the chance to continue beyond 45 if they can prove they are physically capable of doing so. "Collina and Nielsen are two great referees who could easily go on for another two or three years," he told uefa.com. "They are in great condition.

Annual check-up
"The argument is that we need to give youth a chance on the big stage," he added. "But I think we should consider a yearly evaluation of fitness and performance of referees over 45 and if UEFA and FIFA agree that the respective individuals are in the right condition then they can continue." Whether they are granted an extension or not both will live long in the memory as two of the finest officials in the game's recent history.