Collina: “UEFA is not interested in referees being liked”

Europe's referees have been urged to protect players and football's image as they set out on their assignments in the coming season, and not to be afraid to take decisions that are unpopular. Protecting players and protecting the image of the game will continue to be a particular priority for Europe’s referees as they embark on their important assignments in the 2014/15 campaign. UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying matches are on the agenda for the men’s referees this season, while leading women referees are gearing up for action in the UEFA Women's Champions League, as well as the FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada in 2015. A total of 91 men's elite and first category referees, and 15elite and first category women's referees, have travelled to Nyon for the UEFA pre-season course, to prepare for the new campaign, check their fitness, review events from the past season and receive instructions and recommendations for the new season from the UEFA Referees Committee.