Italian referee Pierluigi Collina who has overseen World Cup and Champions League finals, confirmed he had retired after a row with the Italian Association of Referees (AIA).
He quit after being accused by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) of a conflict of interest.
Collina had just signed an endorsement deal with car firm Opel C1 worth, according to reports, £545,000 per year. But Opel also sponsor AC Milan, and the FIGC told Collina either pull out of the deal or be relegated to officiate only Serie B games.
Collina, who is widely regarded by soccer fans as the games top official, said the lack of trust in him by the FIGC left him with no alternative.
He said: C,I have slept less these last few nights than on the eve of the World Cup final.
"For me it wouldn't have been a problem to referee in Serie B, but either the FIGC have faith in us referees or they don't. If they don't, then we have to go. Without trust we cannot move forward."
