FIFA has responded to accusations regarding refereeing decisions in the World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt, after the Egyptian national team claimed it was harmed by controversial officiating calls.
FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, stated that discussions about refereeing decisions are part of football, but rejected claims of match manipulation.
“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in our sport. The integrity of World Cup referees cannot be questioned,” Collina said.
He emphasized that even FIFA President Gianni Infantino has no influence over refereeing decisions, stressing that referees operate with full independence.
“No one can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president. Referees make fair decisions and always strive to perform at their best,” said the former Italian referee.
Collina also reviewed the two most disputed moments raised by the Egyptian side during their 3–2 defeat against Argentina. According to him, VAR’s intervention regarding a foul in the build-up to a goal was correct, as any foul during an attacking phase can be reviewed.
He also addressed Argentina’s third goal, explaining that the contact between players was judged as a normal football challenge rather than a foul.
Egypt had filed an official complaint with FIFA, requesting action following their elimination from the tournament, while several national team players questioned the fairness of the decisions.
Through Collina’s statement, FIFA reaffirmed that refereeing procedures and the use of VAR operate according to football rules and are not influenced by external pressure.
