Scheidsrechtersbaas Collina defends refereeing, says Egypte 'Niet'

The decisive moment came when referee François Letexier, after VAR intervention, disallowed Egypt’s second goal in the 3‑2 knockout‑stage defeat to Argentina, leaving the Argentine tally untouched. In the aftermath, FIFA’s refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officials, insisting the arbitration remains independent.

Pierluigi Collina, the 66‑year‑old Italiaan who heads FIFA’s refereeing department, said the accusations of bias were unfounded and stressed that the arbitration is independent. He emphasized that the officials acted within the rules of the game.

In the round‑of‑16 clash, referee François Letexier, after a VAR review, ruled out Egypt’s second goal because of a foul in the build‑up. By contrast, Argentina’s third goal stood despite a claimed infringement on Mohamed Salah.

"Constructive discussions about decisions are always part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place," Collina said. He added that such claims undermine the sport.

Collina also declared that no one can question the integrity of officials, not even the FIFA‑voorzitter. He warned against suggestions that refereeing could be influenced.

Egyptische bondscoach Hossam Hassan expressed fury after the match, calling the decision a ‘doorgestoken kaart’ that everyone had seen. He argued that if the organisers wanted Argentina to win, they should invite other teams to participate.

Following the controversy, Egypt decided to file a complaint against Letexier. The federation seeks clarification on the VAR intervention.

Collina’s defence of the officials underscores FIFA’s commitment to independent refereeing and signals that similar disputes will be addressed within the existing arbitration framework. The stance aims to preserve confidence in match officiating for future tournaments.