Willie Collum (born 27 April 1982) is a Scottish professional football referee. He has officiated in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) since becoming a senior referee in 2010 and was added to the FIFA international referees list in 2015, enabling him to oversee matches in European club competitions and international fixtures.
Early life and career
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Collum began refereeing at a junior level while still a teenager. He progressed through the Scottish Football Association’s development pathways, officiating in youth and lower‑division matches before being promoted to the senior referee panel.
Domestic officiating
Collum made his debut in the Scottish Premier League (now the Scottish Premiership) in 2010. Since then, he has been appointed to numerous high‑profile fixtures, including derby matches such as the Old Firm (Celtic vs. Rangers) and crucial cup ties in the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. His assignments have included the 2018 Scottish Cup Final and several semi‑finals in both domestic cup competitions.
International appointments
After being listed as a FIFA referee in 2015, Collum has overseen qualifying matches for the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup, as well as group‑stage games in the UEFA Europa League. Notable international assignments include a UEFA Nations League match between Wales and Finland in 2018.
Professional affiliations
Collum is a member of the Scottish Football Association’s Referees Committee, contributing to the development and training of upcoming Scottish referees. He also participates in referee education programmes and fitness testing mandated by UEFA and FIFA.
Recognition
Throughout his career, Collum has been praised for his match management and consistency. He has received commendations from the SPFL Referees’ Committee and has been selected for the Referee of the Season shortlist on multiple occasions.
Personal life
Outside of refereeing, Collum works as a qualified civil engineer. He remains involved in community football initiatives and youth coaching programs within the Glasgow area.
