FIFA's Head of Refereeing, Collina, Defends Officials, Saying Their Honesty is Beyond Reproach Ahead of 2026 World Cup

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Pierluigi Collina

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has firmly rejected allegations of bias in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that “nobody can question” the integrity or independence of the tournament’s match officials.

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According to Reuters, Collina made the remarks in an interview published on FIFA’s official website on Thursday, responding to complaints from the Egyptian Football Association, EFA, and head coach Hossam Hassan following Tuesday’s controversial Round of 16 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

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The controversy erupted after Egypt surrendered a 2-0 lead before Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time winner for Argentina. Following the match, Hassan suggested there may have been pressure to keep Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions in the tournament, while the EFA formally demanded an investigation into what it described as “double standards” in officiating.

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Speaking through FIFA’s official channels, Collina addressed the accusations, saying criticism of refereeing decisions is part of football, but drawing the integrity of officials into question crosses the line.

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“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.

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“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials.

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“When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”

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The former Italian referee also dismissed suggestions that FIFA officials could be influenced by external figures, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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“Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president,” he added.

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“He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”

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The EFA’s protest centred on two decisive moments during the second half.

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Egypt argued that Mostafa Zico’s goal should not have been disallowed after a VAR review for an earlier foul by Marwan Attia on Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez. The federation also maintained Mohamed Salah should have been awarded a foul moments before Argentina launched the move that produced the winning goal.

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Explaining the decisions, Collina said VAR correctly intervened because a foul had occurred during the attacking possession phase leading to Zico’s goal.

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“We believe that a foul is a foul,” he said.

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“Regardless of whether the foul appears ‘obvious’, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.”

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On the challenge involving Salah and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, Collina said both the referee and the VAR agreed it was “normal football contact” after Alvarez had first played the ball.

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While acknowledging that some refereeing calls will always involve an element of subjectivity, Collina said FIFA remains satisfied with how VAR protocols have been applied throughout the World Cup.

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Egypt exited the tournament after the defeat, while Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals, where Lionel Messi’s side will continue their title defence.

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