FIFA defends World Cup referees after Egypt's allegations following Argentina defeat

FIFA's chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, has defended the integrity of match officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Egypt questioned the officiating in their dramatic Round of 16 defeat to Argentina.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had called on FIFA to remove the referees involved in Tuesday's match and launch an investigation, claiming there were "double standards" in two crucial second-half decisions that helped Argentina come from two goals down to win 3-2.

Speaking in response, Collina rejected the allegations and insisted FIFA's officials carry out their duties independently and honestly.

"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."

Following the defeat, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan claimed his side had been "treated unfairly" and even suggested officials may have wanted defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi to remain in the tournament.

Collina firmly dismissed any suggestion of outside influence.

"Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best."

Although FIFA rarely comments on individual incidents during major tournaments, Collina explained why officials ruled out Mostafa Zico's goal after VAR detected a foul by Marwan Attia in the build-up.

He also defended the decision not to award Egypt a late penalty after Mohamed Salah went down under a challenge from Julián Álvarez, saying both the referee and VAR considered it "normal football contact."

"There will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament," Collina added.

The controversy has become one of the biggest refereeing talking points of the 2026 World Cup as Argentina prepare for a quarter-final clash with Switzerland.

 

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