Collina set to take charge of Italian referees

MILAN (Reuters) - Former top official Pierluigi Collina is poised to become Italy's new referees' secretary in a move designed to clean up their image following last year's match-fixing scandal.

Collina, famous for his bald pate and bulging eyes, was widely regarded as the world's best referee and officiated many top matches including the 2002 World Cup final.

The 47-year-old retired in 2005 and became a financial advisor but will now appoint referees for matches instead, with his new role set to be confirmed next week.

"Collina was for six years the best in the world because he prepared for each match in a perfect manner," referees' chief Cesare Gussoni told Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now he will be able to transfer his knowledge to a relatively young group but one that can grow a lot."

The match-fixing scandal, in which clubs tried to secure favourable officials, led to Juventus being demoted while other clubs were docked points.

Top referee Massimo De Santis was banned for four years.