FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has strongly defended the officials who handled Argentina’s controversial FIFA World Cup Round of 16 win over Egypt, dismissing allegations of bias as “unfounded.”
The controversy followed Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory in Atlanta, after which Egypt coach Hossam Hassan accused the match officials of favouring the defending champions.
The game, officiated by French referee Francois Letexier, featured several decisions that angered Egypt. The biggest flashpoint came when Mostafa Zico’s goal, which would have given Egypt a 2-0 lead, was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul earlier in the build-up.
Hassan suggested the officials may have been under “external pressure” and even claimed FIFA wanted Argentina to stay in the tournament.
However, Collina firmly rejected those accusations.
“Constructive discussion about refereeing decisions is always part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said on FIFA’s official website.
He also defended the integrity of World Cup referees, saying such accusations can lead to abuse and threats against officials and their families.
“No one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup match officials,” Collina said. “Nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino.”
He added that referees make honest decisions and, like players and coaches, always try to do their best.
After the match, Hassan said Egypt had been treated unfairly by the officials.
“We have been cheated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice,” he said, adding that FIFA wanted “the world champions to remain in the competition” and suggesting the tournament organisers wanted Lionel Messi to continue his World Cup campaign.
Responding to the disallowed goal, Collina explained that the VAR process had been followed correctly.
He said if a foul is detected during the attacking move that leads to a goal, the VAR can recommend an on-field review, regardless of how much time has passed or how far from goal the foul occurred.
“If a foul is identified in the build-up and is considered to have affected the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review,” Collina said.
“There is no time limit or distance limit. A foul is a foul, and if the referee misses it on the field, the VAR is allowed to intervene.”
