Pierluigi Collina to train Indian referees

Pierluigi Collina is currently the FIFA Head of Refereeing.

As per a report in TOI, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has requested Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA President, to send Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Head of Refereeing, to India for training sessions of referees during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai. The FIFA President has agreed to the request.

Additionally, Indian referees have faced severe criticism for quite a while due to egregious mistakes on the field. Several clubs have formally complained to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) about these issues.

Chaubey acknowledges the mistakes by the Indian referees and also highlights the toughness of the job. "For the last few months, there have been refereeing errors and, despite our efforts, I feel improvements are required. Indian referees are making human errors. I understand it's a thankless job, but their mistakes can cost teams a trophy, perhaps another opportunity to play international football."

Infantino too was on the same page. "The FIFA President was on the same page with me. I have requested him to send (FIFA Head of Refereeing) Pierluigi Collina to India for training sessions and his presence here could help a great deal. The FIFA President has agreed," Chaubey revealed. 

As per TOI, it is expected that Collina could be joined by Arsene Wenger, who is expected to visit India soon. "In a month or two, Collina will be in India. We are all trying to create positives for football," Chaubey added. But, a confirmation for the same is awaited. 

Those who have followed the beautiful game of football since the early 1990s have undoubtedly heard of Pierluigi Collina. Collina, now the Chairman of FIFA's Referees Committee, officiated some of the biggest matches, including the FIFA World Cup Final in 2002. His visit to India holds significant importance for the sport in the country.