FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has strongly defended the integrity of World Cup match officials after Egypt accused referee Francois Letexier of favouring Argentina during their controversial Round of 16 clash.
The remarks come after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) reportedly lodged an official complaint with FIFA, questioning several refereeing decisions in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in Atlanta and seeking the removal of Letexier and his officiating team from the remainder of the tournament.
Collina dismisses allegations of referee bias
Speaking in an interview published on FIFA’s official platform, Collina acknowledged that refereeing decisions are always open to discussion but insisted that questioning the integrity of officials crosses the line.
“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.
He also rejected suggestions that FIFA or its leadership could influence refereeing decisions.
“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president.”
Collina warned that unsubstantiated accusations could expose referees and their families to abuse and threats.
Egypt questioned key VAR decisions
The controversy erupted after Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan alleged that the tournament was being tilted in Argentina’s favour following his team’s heartbreaking defeat.
One of Egypt’s biggest grievances was the VAR decision to disallow Mostafa Ziko’s goal in the second half. The goal was overturned after officials identified a foul by Marwan Attia on Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez earlier in the attacking phase.
Defending the review, Collina said VAR had correctly followed the Laws of the Game.
“We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears obvious, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.”
Egypt also protested a late penalty appeal after captain Mohamed Salah went down inside the penalty area following contact with Julián Álvarez shortly before Enzo Fernández scored Argentina’s match-winning goal.
According to Collina, both the referee and VAR correctly judged the incident.
“A defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul.”
FIFA backs VAR protocol
While accepting that some decisions in football remain subjective, Collina said FIFA remains satisfied with how VAR has been implemented during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The governing body has not indicated that it will take action against the officiating team, despite Egypt’s reported complaint.
Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals after recovering from a two-goal deficit, with Lionel Messi scoring the equaliser before Enzo Fernández completed the dramatic comeback in stoppage time. The victory has set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
