21 września 2005
A Rope, A Tree...
You all are tired of me writing about music, so I'll write about soccer again.
I was very suprised this morning to hear a commentary from Frank Deford on the recent retirement of noted Italian referee Pierluigi Collina. Deford doesn't like soccer, but he doesn't go into the rants against the sport and its fans that other American sports commentators do.
For those of you who don't know, last month, the Italian Football Federation granted Collina a waiver from the madatory retirement age of 45. Then, a couple of weeks later, Collina signed a contract with Opel for an endorsement deal. Yeah, Collina was huge enough that he got lucrative endorsement deals.
The trouble is, Opel also is a sponsor of AC Milan. The last thing the Italian football bosses wanted was the appearance of a conflict of interest. So, they asked him to referee Serie B matches (sort of like being bumped from the National League to the Pacific Coast League). Collina said, "no thanks," and retired.
Collina had planned to keep refereeing through the next World Cup. I don't know how the Italian decision affects who FIFA has do the international matches. Interestingly, FIFA had no trouble with Collina refering the 2002 World Cup Final between a Nike sponsored team, Brazil, and Germany despite Collina being featured on a famous Nike ad that year.
I can understand the Italian decision, given how many worries there have been about Asian gambling syndicates trying to mess with the outcome of games, the recent doping scandal in their league and political intereference from AC Milan boss (and Italian Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi. Collina was regarded as beyond reproach, but appearances matter a great deal.
I can see why Collina decided to say enough too. He's been doing this for 28 years, and it has meant a great deal of time away from his family. Not every fan agrees with me though, some are decrying his decision to abandon the beautiful game for an endorsement deal.
Collina may not be done. FIFA and UEFA could bend their rules to allow him to referee some big internationals (they aren't above this), also, there is a rumor that he may referee games in Japan.
UEFA's website features an interview with Collina where he talks about his favorite matches and players.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
I was very suprised this morning to hear a commentary from Frank Deford on the recent retirement of noted Italian referee Pierluigi Collina. Deford doesn't like soccer, but he doesn't go into the rants against the sport and its fans that other American sports commentators do.For those of you who don't know, last month, the Italian Football Federation granted Collina a waiver from the madatory retirement age of 45. Then, a couple of weeks later, Collina signed a contract with Opel for an endorsement deal. Yeah, Collina was huge enough that he got lucrative endorsement deals.
The trouble is, Opel also is a sponsor of AC Milan. The last thing the Italian football bosses wanted was the appearance of a conflict of interest. So, they asked him to referee Serie B matches (sort of like being bumped from the National League to the Pacific Coast League). Collina said, "no thanks," and retired.
Collina had planned to keep refereeing through the next World Cup. I don't know how the Italian decision affects who FIFA has do the international matches. Interestingly, FIFA had no trouble with Collina refering the 2002 World Cup Final between a Nike sponsored team, Brazil, and Germany despite Collina being featured on a famous Nike ad that year.
I can understand the Italian decision, given how many worries there have been about Asian gambling syndicates trying to mess with the outcome of games, the recent doping scandal in their league and political intereference from AC Milan boss (and Italian Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi. Collina was regarded as beyond reproach, but appearances matter a great deal.I can see why Collina decided to say enough too. He's been doing this for 28 years, and it has meant a great deal of time away from his family. Not every fan agrees with me though, some are decrying his decision to abandon the beautiful game for an endorsement deal.
Collina may not be done. FIFA and UEFA could bend their rules to allow him to referee some big internationals (they aren't above this), also, there is a rumor that he may referee games in Japan.
UEFA's website features an interview with Collina where he talks about his favorite matches and players.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
Comments:
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Yeah, that guy is no Kojak.
He is however eeriely like Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast . Especially the neck scene.
He is however eeriely like Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast . Especially the neck scene.
This is from a New York Times article:
The Italian Institute of Social Marketing surveyed 720 women on the appeal of role models. "The study proved the incontestable sex appeal of the referees," claimed the institute.
A female psychologist concluded that Collina stood out because of his facial expressions. And his sinewy, sexy legs.
"The referee has a magnitude of virility that the players, with their ear rings, their bleached hair and their showgirl poses have progressively lost," she said.
The Italian Institute of Social Marketing surveyed 720 women on the appeal of role models. "The study proved the incontestable sex appeal of the referees," claimed the institute.
A female psychologist concluded that Collina stood out because of his facial expressions. And his sinewy, sexy legs.
"The referee has a magnitude of virility that the players, with their ear rings, their bleached hair and their showgirl poses have progressively lost," she said.
Sorry but that guy freaks me out! you must make him go away Ted!
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: czwartek, września 22, 2005 4:45:00 PM
: czwartek, września 22, 2005 4:45:00 PM << Home
