FIFA rejects bias claims after Argentina-Egypt controversy, defends refereeing decisions

Sports Desk : Refereeing decisions at the ongoing FIFA World Cup have sparked widespread debate, with the Round of 16 clash between Argentina and Egypt emerging as one of the tournament’s most controversial matches. Egyptian players and head coach Hossam Hassan accused French referee François Letexier and FIFA of influencing the outcome in Argentina’s favor. FIFA has now officially responded, firmly rejecting those allegations.

Argentina staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down after 78 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals. The controversy centered on a disallowed Egyptian goal and a late challenge that Egypt believed should have resulted in a foul, prompting strong criticism from Hassan after the match.

FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, dismissed the accusations in an interview published on FIFA’s official website, insisting that referees operate independently and that not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino can influence their decisions.

“Eight major matches remain in this World Cup. Overall, we are satisfied with the standard of officiating,” Collina said. “With so many matches played in a short period, some situations may not unfold exactly as planned, which is normal. Our officials continue working hard to improve for every game.”

Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina.

Collina acknowledged that refereeing decisions will always be open to constructive debate but strongly condemned allegations questioning the integrity of match officials.

“Constructive discussion about refereeing decisions is part of football, but baseless accusations have no place,” he said. “Questioning the integrity of FIFA World Cup match officials can create reactions that put referees and even their families at risk. That is completely unacceptable.”

He also stressed that FIFA’s refereeing department works independently.

“No one can claim that FIFA’s refereeing operations are influenced by anyone, not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino,” Collina said. “He has always fully supported Team One, our elite referees, and trusted us to operate independently. Match officials make honest decisions and, like players and coaches, always strive to perform at their best.”

Collina explained that FIFA generally avoids commenting on specific incidents while a tournament is in progress but addressed the VAR procedures following the recent controversy.

He said every goal is automatically reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which examines the entire Attacking Possession Phase (APP). If a foul is detected before a goal and is deemed to have influenced the scoring sequence, VAR can recommend an on-field review. There is no fixed limit on how far back in the attacking move or how much time may have elapsed before the goal.

Referring directly to the Argentina-Egypt match, Collina said Egypt’s No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly stepped on the foot of Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez before one of Egypt’s goals.

“In our view, a foul is a foul,” he said. “Whether it appears obvious or less obvious, if the referee misses it on the field, VAR can intervene.”

He also addressed the late incident involving Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, explaining that both the referee and VAR considered it a normal football challenge because the defender had played the ball first before the subsequent contact.

“There will always be an element of subjective judgment in some decisions,” Collina added. “However, we are satisfied with the consistent application of these principles throughout the tournament.”