Collina calls for steps against abuse towards referees

Football Soccer - UEFA Euro 2016 soccer tournament - Eaubonne, France - 20/04/2016. UEFA's Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina attends a workshop for referees of the upcoming Euro 2016 soccer championships. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

(Reuters) - Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, has warned of a global shortage of match officials if efforts are not made to tackle abuse and violence towards referees at the grassroots level.

Collina, who was in charge of the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, said it is a "real threat" when match officials face verbal and physical abuse in amateur football.