Stefano Farina (19 September 1962 – 23 May 2017) was an Italian football official who worked at the top levels of domestic and international competition. Born in Ovada, Italy, he rose through the national refereeing ranks to preside over matches in Serie A and UEFA club competitions. Over his career he became known for calm decision-making and a professional approach to match management.

Career overview

Farina served as a match official in Italy's top division, Serie A, where referees are responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game, controlling player behaviour and ensuring safety on the field. He was part of the cohort of Italian referees who represented their country at European and global fixtures. Internationally he appeared on the FIFA list and took charge of qualifiers and club fixtures under UEFA auspices.

Notable assignments

Highlights of his assignments include appointments in the UEFA club competitions and important domestic fixtures. Among these were:

  • Matches in the UEFA Champions League and other UEFA tournaments.
  • The 2006 UEFA Super Cup held in Monaco, a one-off European match that traditionally pits the winners of UEFA's principal club competitions against each other.
  • Regular domestic fixtures in the Italian top flight, an environment noted for tactical complexity and passionate support from fans and clubs in Italy.

International service and retirement

Farina was listed as a FIFA referee from 2001 until 2007. During that period he officiated qualifying matches for the UEFA European Championship cycles (including qualifiers linked to Euro 2004 and Euro 2008) and preliminary ties related to the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup processes. He stepped down from international duty in 2007 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for FIFA referees, then set at 45.

Style, reputation and impact

Throughout his career Farina was regarded as a pragmatic referee who prioritized managing the game flow and communicating with players and team officials. His appointments to high-profile fixtures reflected the trust placed in him by national and continental governing bodies. Like many experienced officials, he balanced strict enforcement of rules with the practicalities of keeping matches safe and entertaining for spectators.

Death and legacy

Stefano Farina died suddenly on 23 May 2017 in Genova, Italy, at the age of 54; reports indicated a suspected heart attack. His passing was noted within the football community and by peers who remembered his long service at the top tier of refereeing. For readers seeking more context on refereeing pathways, responsibilities and major competitions in which he participated, consult resources on the role of a football referee and institutional information provided by UEFA and FIFA.