FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina has robustly defended the integrity of match officials at the 2026 World Cup, following formal complaints from the Egyptian Football Association after their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the last 16.
Egypt had demanded the officials be removed from the tournament, alleging "double standards" over two key second-half decisions that helped Argentina overturn a 2-0 deficit. But Collina insisted such claims were "unfounded" and had no place in the game.
"Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport," Collina said. "Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right."
Egypt's Fury After Argentina Comeback
The controversy erupted after a thrilling last-16 tie where Lionel Messi's Argentina scored three late goals to knock out Egypt. The Egyptian FA was particularly incensed by two incidents: a goal by Mostafa Zico disallowed after VAR intervention for a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up, and a potential penalty on Mohamed Salah waved away moments before Argentina's winner.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan said his team had "suffered injustice" and suggested a bias towards Messi and the reigning champions, stating: "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running."
Collina Backs Decisions, Explains Consistency
In a rare move, Collina addressed the specific calls, explaining that VAR checks for fouls in the attacking possession phase do not have time or distance limits. "We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious', if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene," he said.
On the penalty appeal, he added: "The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt number 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina number 9 Julian Alvarez." Collina acknowledged that some decisions involve "an element of subjectivity" but maintained the team's honesty.
"Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best."
Wider Refereeing Debate at the 2026 World Cup
The Egypt row is not the only officiating storm at this tournament. FIFA faced heavy criticism after overturning Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, with UEFA labeling the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." US president Donald Trump also claimed to have asked FIFA to review the call, adding political pressure to the narrative.
Collina's strong words appear aimed at drawing a line under the criticism as the World Cup enters its quarter-final stage. "Constructive discussion is welcome, but threats and unfounded allegations have no place," he reiterated.
Key Takeaways
- FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina fiercely defended the integrity of World Cup officials after Egypt's complaints about their loss to Argentina.
- Collina insisted all decisions are made honestly and independently, free from outside influence—even from the FIFA president.
- He provided detailed explanations for the disallowed Egypt goal and the non-penalty call on Mohamed Salah, stressing consistency in VAR protocols.
- The controversy adds to a growing debate over officiating at the 2026 World Cup, including the handling of Folarin Balogun's red card.
- Collina warned that unfounded allegations could lead to threats against referees and their families, calling for respectful discourse.
Quick Facts
Who: Pierluigi Collina, FIFA chief refereeing officer
Match: Argentina 3-2 Egypt, World Cup last 16
Key decisions: VAR disallowed Egypt goal for foul in build-up; penalty not given for foul on Salah
Egypt's action: Demanded officials be removed; alleged "double standards"
Collina's response: "Nobody can question the integrity" of match officials
