Pierluigi Collina defends World Cup referee after Egypt-Argentina controversy

09 Jul 2026, 07:35 by Press Association · The42

FIFA’S REFEREES’ CHIEF Pierluigi Collina has defended officials at the World Cup after Egypt claimed “serious” mistakes had been made by the referee in their last-16 loss to Argentina.

The Egyptian Football Association called for French referee Francois Letexier and his team to be sent home after being left angered by key decisions in Tuesday’s match, when they conceded three late goals to lose 3-2 to the defending champions.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan appeared to suggest there was favouritism shown towards Argentina by Fifa, saying: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition.”

It came soon after the controversy that surrounded Fifa’s decision to suspend a one-game ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun following an intervention from US president Donald Trump, who complained to Fifa president Gianni Infantino about Balogun’s red card in their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In comments published on Fifa’s website, chief refereeing officer Collina insisted his officials could not be influenced by anyone.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” he 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.

Equally, nobody can claim that Fifa refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the Fifa president.”

Egypt were angered by key decisions late in Tuesday’s match. With Egypt leading 1-0, the Pharaohs had a second goal disallowed after Marwan Attia was penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martínez’s foot at the start of the move. Egypt did score a second goal nine minutes later.

Then, in the build-up to Enzo Fernández’s stoppage-time winner, Egypt claimed Hamdi Fathy was pulled back by Alexis Mac Allister, and also felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Mohamed Salah went down under a challenge from Julian Alvarez before play switched to the other end.

Addressing the complaints, Collina said replays show Attia “clearly treads” on Martinez’s foot, adding: “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.