FIFA Referees Chief Collina Rejects 'Unfounded Allegations' over Argentina-Egypt World Cup Clash
Collina said VAR correctly overturned Egypt’s 62nd-minute goal and rejected a late penalty appeal after officials followed review protocols.
- FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina defended officiating decisions in Argentina's 3-2 World Cup win over Egypt, asserting that match officials remain independent of governing body influence when calling games.
- Much of the contention centred on Mostafa Zico's disallowed 62nd-minute goal and the 92nd-minute challenge by Julian Alvarez on Mohamed Salah, which Egypt unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty.
- Collina confirmed the disallowed goal was an 'obvious foul' requiring VAR intervention, while Alvarez's late challenge constituted 'normal football contact' rather than a foul, justifying the decision not to intervene.
- Egypt manager Hossam Hassan alleged 'internal factors' influenced the outcome, yet Collina condemned threats against officials, stating, 'Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials.'
- Argentina advances to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinals, while FIFA Refereeing named an entirely Argentine crew to officiate the France versus Morocco match, a tournament first for national representation.
76 Articles
76 Articles
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaFIFA referees chief Collina rejects 'unfounded allegations' over Argentina-Egypt World Cup clash
FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina has defended World Cup match officials. He rejected unfounded allegations of malpractice after Argentina's controversial victory over Egypt. Collina stated that no one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup match officials. He emphasized that match officials make honest decisions and always try their best. The FIFA official also clarified the VAR decision regarding Egypt's disallowed goal.
Yakima Herald-Republic
ATLANTA (AP) — The Egyptian Football Association said Wednesday that “it cannot remain silent” after what it considers an unfair and partial arbitration in the 3-2 defeat of Egypt against Argentina in the eighth finals...
The ex-referee points to FIFA, Busacca and Collina for the lack of consistent criteria in the reviews of video refereeing
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