FIFA Rejects Influence Claims After Argentina-Egypt VAR Controversy

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina has dismissed allegations that World Cup match officials are influenced by external forces, insisting referees operate independently despite controversy surrounding VAR decisions in Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Egypt.

Collina made the remarks in an interview published by FIFA on Thursday following criticism over officiating decisions during the knockout fixture.

He stressed that no individual, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, could influence the work of referees or the Video Assistant Referee system.

According to Collina, FIFA has consistently allowed its officiating team to perform its duties with complete independence, while match officials strive to make fair and honest decisions.

“Nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best,” he said.

Addressing the controversial incidents in the Argentina and Egypt encounter, Collina explained that VAR correctly intervened after Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia stepped on the foot of Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez during the attacking possession phase that resulted in a goal.

He said the Laws of the Game do not place any restriction on how far back officials may review an incident if it directly leads to a goal.

Collina added that a foul remains a foul regardless of whether it appears obvious, provided the referee did not clearly observe the incident during play.

He also defended the decision not to award a foul following contact between Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, saying both the referee and VAR correctly judged it to be normal football contact.

While acknowledging that refereeing decisions would always attract debate, Collina said FIFA was satisfied with how VAR had been implemented throughout the tournament.

He further condemned allegations questioning the integrity of referees, warning that such claims often expose match officials and their families to threats and abuse.

According to him, constructive discussions about officiating are welcome, but baseless accusations have no place in football and undermine the credibility of the game.