FIFA Dismisses Influence Claims After Argentina–Egypt VAR Controversy
FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, has strongly rejected claims that match officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are influenced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the controversial VAR decisions in Argentina's Round of 16 victory over Egypt.
Collina said FIFA referees operate independently and cannot be influenced by anyone, including the FIFA president. He stressed that officials make honest decisions and always strive to apply the Laws of the Game fairly.
Addressing the disputed incidents, Collina explained that VAR correctly intervened to disallow an Argentina goal after Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez by stepping on his foot during the attacking phase.
He noted that the Laws of the Game place no time or distance limit on reviewing fouls that lead directly to a goal.
He also defended another decision involving Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, saying both the referee and VAR judged it to be normal football contact rather than a foul.
While acknowledging that some officiating decisions remain subjective and will always spark debate, Collina said FIFA is satisfied with how VAR has been implemented throughout the tournament.
He also condemned allegations questioning the integrity of referees, warning that such claims can expose match officials and their families to threats, which he described as unacceptable.
After 96 matches in the expanded 48-team World Cup, Collina said FIFA remains pleased with the overall standard of officiating despite the increased demands on referees.
Collina said FIFA referees operate independently and cannot be influenced by anyone, including the FIFA president. He stressed that officials make honest decisions and always strive to apply the Laws of the Game fairly.
Addressing the disputed incidents, Collina explained that VAR correctly intervened to disallow an Argentina goal after Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez by stepping on his foot during the attacking phase.
He noted that the Laws of the Game place no time or distance limit on reviewing fouls that lead directly to a goal.
He also defended another decision involving Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, saying both the referee and VAR judged it to be normal football contact rather than a foul.
While acknowledging that some officiating decisions remain subjective and will always spark debate, Collina said FIFA is satisfied with how VAR has been implemented throughout the tournament.
He also condemned allegations questioning the integrity of referees, warning that such claims can expose match officials and their families to threats, which he described as unacceptable.
After 96 matches in the expanded 48-team World Cup, Collina said FIFA remains pleased with the overall standard of officiating despite the increased demands on referees.
