FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has strongly defended the officiating team that handled Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, insisting that match officials carried out their duties independently and without outside influence.
Speaking in an interview published by FIFA on Thursday, Collina responded to criticism that followed the match, stressing that while debates over refereeing decisions are a normal part of football, questioning the integrity of officials is unacceptable.
“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.
He also dismissed suggestions that FIFA referees could be influenced by senior football administrators.
“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 (Gianni Infantino),” he added.
Collina warned that baseless accusations against referees could have serious consequences, including exposing officials and their families to threats and abuse.
The controversy followed Egypt’s exit from the tournament after surrendering a two-goal lead before Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the quarter
