Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, has strongly dismissed allegations that Argentina national football team received favourable treatment during their dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt national football team in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match sparked widespread controversy after Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead, with several refereeing decisions coming under scrutiny. Egypt had a goal ruled out following a VAR review for a foul earlier in the attacking phase, while players and coaching staff also believed they should have been awarded a penalty after Mohamed Salah went down in the box shortly before Argentina scored the winning goal.
Following the defeat, Egypt’s players and coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of favouring the defending champions, with claims that the tournament was being manipulated to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the competition. The Egyptian Football Association also lodged an official complaint over the officiating.
Responding to the criticism, Collina insisted that FIFA referees operate independently and are not influenced by anyone, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He explained that the disallowed Egyptian goal was correctly overturned because VAR identified a foul in the attacking build-up, adding that there is no time or distance limit on how far back officials can review an attacking phase before a goal is scored.
Collina also defended the decision not to award Egypt a late penalty, saying the referee and VAR judged the challenge on Salah by Julián Álvarez to be normal football contact rather than a foul.
He warned that baseless accusations of bias can put referees and their families at risk, while maintaining that FIFA is satisfied with the standard of officiating and the use of VAR at the tournament.
