Collina defends World Cup referees and controversial Argentina vs. Egypt call | OneFootball

FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina has defended the quality of the refereeing at the 2026 World Cup, insists that his officials are not influenced by any external factors or individuals and has explained why Egypt saw a goal ruled out in their 3-2 round of 16 loss against Argentina.

The legendary Italian former referee, who has been serving as the chair of FIFA’s referee committee since 2017, has decided to release a public statement following complaints about the officiating at the 2026 World Cup.

There have been several high-profile incidents involving referees, red cards and accusations of external influence during the 2026 tournament in North America.

The USA’s Folarin Balogun saw a red card controversially overturned after a direct phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

There were also strong complaints from the Egypt camp about the state of the refereeing in their round of 16 loss against Argentina, including the decision to rule out a goal that would have sent them on their way to being three goals up in the second half.

Collina, speaking in an interview released on the FIFA website, has defended his referees, says that ‘overall, we are happy’ insists that there is no external pressure on the officials and has explained why the decision to rule out the Egypt goal was correct.

Collina explains FIFA’s stance on controversial refereeing calls

“Let’s start by saying that we have now played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and there are still eight more huge games to be played,” Colina began.

PIERLUIGI COLLINA – DECEMBER 05: Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“Overall, we are happy. However, with such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected. When that happens, they are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared for the next match.

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

Collina went on to speak specifically about the complaints from the Argentina vs. Egypt match.

“Usually, during a competition, we prefer not to focus on specific incidents. However, as we recently clarified what match officials would be looking for when attacking players try to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from moving and being able to defend the goal, we also wanted to clarify another topic that has generated debate.

“After every goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified in the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review. There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.

“An example of this came in the Argentina v Egypt game where Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martínez.

“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,” Collina confirmed.

PIERLUIGI COLLINA – AUGUST 10: Pierluigi Collina attends the Women’s Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

“Equally, if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul. Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game. The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julián Alvarez.

“Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament.”