Fifa’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, has dismissed “unfounded allegations” against World Cup match officials, insisting that “nobody can question their integrity” after Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina sparked controversy.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had formally requested that Fifa remove the officials who took charge of their last-16 exit, calling for an investigation into perceived “double standards” after two second-half decisions went against them as Argentina fought back from 2-0 down to win late on.
Collina pushed back firmly, warning that baseless accusations put officials and their families at risk. “Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” he said. “When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”
His comments came after Egypt manager Hossam Hassan claimed his side had been “treated unfairly,” suggesting Fifa may have wanted to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the tournament. Collina rejected any suggestion of outside influence, stressing that even Fifa president Gianni Infantino has always respected the officiating team’s independence, and that referees, like players and coaches, simply try to make honest calls.
The controversy adds to a difficult week for Fifa, which has also faced backlash — including from Uefa and even Donald Trump — over its decision not to enforce an automatic suspension for Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Breaking Down the Key Decisions
Egypt had led 1-0 when the VAR disallowed a goal from Mostafa Zico after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalized for stepping on Lisandro Martinez during the build-up. Moments before Argentina’s stoppage-time winner, a possible foul on Mohamed Salah inside the Argentina box was also waved play on.
Though he typically avoids commenting on individual incidents mid-tournament, Collina defended both calls. He explained that VAR reviews the entire attacking phase after any goal, and can intervene whenever a foul is spotted in the buildup — regardless of how far from goal it occurred or how obvious it seemed to the referee in real time. Attia’s stamp on Martinez’s foot, he said, was a clear foul under that standard.
By contrast, the Salah-Alvarez incident was judged normal football contact, since Alvarez touched the ball first. Collina acknowledged some subjectivity remains inherent to these calls, but said Fifa is satisfied with how the principle has been applied consistently throughout the tournament.
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