FIFA Refereeing Officer Defends Officials After Argentina-Egypt Controversies
Pierluigi Collina said match officials act independently after Egypt filed a complaint over VAR calls and a disallowed goal in the 2-0 loss.
- FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina rejected accusations of bias toward Argentina during their World Cup match against Egypt, insisting that nobody can question the integrity of FIFA match officials.
- The Egyptian Football Association filed a formal complaint after the match, accusing referee Letexier of discrimination while manager Hossam Hassan claimed "pressures from the Argentina side" had caused FIFA to sabotage the contest.
- Reigning champion Argentina survived a scare in the round of 16, entering the final 11 minutes of the match trailing, while Egypt's Mostafa Ziko saw a goal ruled out by VAR after officials identified a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Mart.
- Collina explained that officials check the APP after every goal, clarifying that stepping on an opponent's foot constitutes a foul whereas defenders touching the ball first do not commit infractions.
- Unfounded allegations can provoke reactions leading to threats against officials and their families, Collina warned, while emphasizing that FIFA President Gianni Infantino trusts FIFA Team One to work with complete independence.
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75 Articles
FIFA referee chief hits out at rigged World Cup claims: Nobody can question integrity
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has rejected allegations of bias in Argentina's World Cup win over Egypt, insisting match officials acted independently and defending the VAR decisions that sparked controversy after the last-16 clash.
Radio France Internationale
FIFA lashes 'unfounded allegations' after Argentina-Egypt clash
In comments posted on FIFA's official website, Collina defended officials who oversaw Argentina's 3-2 win in Atlanta and were accused of malpractice by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan. Hassan speculated that the officiating team for the game, headed by French referee Francois Letexier may have been subjected to "external pressure" to favour Argentina. The claims came after a string of decisions went against the Egyptians, including a goal chalked off …
"Tired of the conspiracy theories" - Pundit addresses refereeing decisions in Egypt v Argentina FIFA World Cup Ro16 clash
Former footballer-turned-pundit Alejandro Moreno has dismissed Egypt’s complaints following their 3-2 FIFA World Cup round of 16 loss to Argentina, calling claims of a rigged tournament “conspiracy th
FIFA refereeing chief rejects claims of bias in Argentina's World Cup win over Egypt
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating in Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, dismissing allegations of bias and saying match officials operated with complete independence.
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