FIFA has strongly rejected suggestions that World Cup matches are being rigged by referees, following complaints from Egypt after their dramatic round-of-16 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday. Egypt had led 2-0 until the dying moments, but a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina turned the game around to win 3-2 and advance to the quarter-finals.
Controversial Decisions Spark Outrage
Before Egypt extended their lead to 2-0, a goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. Later, in the move leading to Argentina's winning goal, Egyptian players and staff argued for a penalty after Mohamed Salah went down under a challenge from Julian Alvarez. After the match, several Egyptian players and the manager hinted at preferential treatment for Argentina.
FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina issued a statement defending the officials. "Unfounded allegations have no place in our sport," Collina said. "Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right."
Collina Defends VAR Process
Collina also addressed the specific incidents. Regarding the disallowed Egyptian goal, he explained that the VAR identified a foul by Egypt's Marwan Attia on Argentina's Lisandro Martínez. "Stepping on an opponent's foot is a foul," he said. "Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious', if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene."
On the penalty claim for Egypt, Collina stated: "The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Mohamed Salah and Julian Alvarez. A defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul."
Integrity of Officials Defended
Collina also dismissed claims that FIFA President Gianni Infantino could influence refereeing decisions. "Nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President," he said. "He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence."
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with the winner meeting either England or Norway. On the other side of the bracket, Morocco plays France, and Spain takes on Belgium.
