World Cup ref hangs up his boots

Former international football referee Peter O'Leary has retired from international refereeing to concentrate on his teaching job at Tikipunga High School. Photo / John Stone

Northland's Fifa World Cup referee Peter O'Leary has pocketed his whistle.

However, he'll keep his hand in the game with a key mentoring role at the sport's highest level.

O'Leary's name became known around the globe after he received death threats following a contentious Bosnia-Herzegovina v Nigeria pool match during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

O'Leary made two controversial calls - both under advice from his assistant referees.

Bosnia-Herzegovina lost the match, resulting in O'Leary being subjected to death threats and an online petition calling for him to be sacked. It was an experience he will no doubt draw on in his new role with Football New Zealand which has asked him to help with its high performance programme for referees.

New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary talks to Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, background right, following Nigeria's 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Photo / Getty Images

O'Leary, 43, is also mentoring young football referees coming through the grades in New Zealand and overseas. The Tikipunga High School head of science said the 2014 World Cup had nothing to do with his retirement.

"I felt after going to two World Cups in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014 and being invited to the Asian Cup in Australia in January, the Oceania Nations' Cup and other tournaments, I've achieved more than I ever expected in football.

"My body was also telling me it was time I stopped. I was picking up small injuries that were taking a lot longer to heal. I also wanted to devote more time to my career," he said.

His passion for the game remains and watching Sunday's Fiji v Uzbekistan match at the Northland Events Centre stirred some familiar feelings.

"I know the countdown to game day and what happens and because the game was here, I could see myself getting excited."

O'Leary may still pick up the whistle for a local club game.

"You may see me in club games but I am not going to be actively involved in the New Zealand National League or the A League. "If there's a shortage or people are injured I may have to dust the boots off or give them a new polish. But touch wood hopefully not."