Italy's Collina to referee World Cup final

Updated: Thursday June 27, 2002 05:47 a.m. ET

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- Pierluigi Collina, the Italian referee known for his bald head and consistent officiating, will be in charge of the World Cup final between Brazil and Germany.

Collina, 42, refereed the highly anticipated Argentina-England game in the first round and the second-round match between Japan and Turkey.

The Italian financial consultant recently appeared in an advertisement for German sportswear manufacturer Adidas, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter said that has no effect on FIFA's decision to appoint Collina as referee for the finals. Adidas is one of the organization's sponsors and provides equipment for referees at the World Cup.

"I don't see any conflict," Blatter said.

Germany is outfitted by Adidas, while Brazil wears Nike uniforms.

Leif Lindberg of Sweden and England's Philip Sharp will be the linesmen, while Scotland's Hugh Dallas will complete the European quartet as a fourth official.

Saad Mane of Kuwait was assigned referee's duties for the third-place game Saturday between South Korea and Turkey in Daegu, South Korea. He will be joined by Ali Al Traifi of Saudi Arabia and Hector Vergara of Canada, who will work the sidelines. The fourth official will be Felipe Ramos of Mexico.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)