FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina has defended the integrity and independence of match officials at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that referees are not influenced by anyone despite growing controversy over several officiating decisions.
Collina’s remarks come in the wake of criticism following Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Egypt, a match that sparked widespread debate over key VAR decisions. Egypt questioned the disallowing of a goal and the failure to award a penalty late in the game, with coach Hossam Hassan suggesting there may have been pressure to favour the defending champions.
Speaking in an interview published by FIFA, Collina acknowledged that refereeing decisions would always be scrutinised but rejected allegations questioning the integrity of match officials.
He said constructive discussions about decisions are part of football but maintained that unfounded accusations have no place in the sport, warning that such claims could expose referees and their families to threats.
Collina also dismissed suggestions that FIFA refereeing could be influenced by external figures, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stressing that officials operate with complete independence.
Addressing the controversial Argentina-Egypt encounter, Collina explained that VAR correctly recommended the review that led to Egypt’s disallowed goal after identifying a foul by Marwan Attia on Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez during the attacking phase. He also defended the decision not to award Egypt a penalty, saying the challenge involving Mohamed Salah and Julian Alvarez was judged to be normal football contact under the Laws of the Game.
