Fifa hit back after Egypt’s ‘fix’ claim over controversial Argentina decisions | OneFootball

Fifa have responded to criticism from the Egyptian FA, as well as members of the Egyptian team, over the refereeing decisions made during the last-16 clash with Argentina at the World Cup 2026 and decried that their officials are ‘not influenced by anyone’.

Egypt, who were leading 2-0 in the closing stages of the game, had a goal controversially ruled out and were angry over a perceived foul in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez’s winning strike.

Winger Mostafa Ziko went as far as saying that “this tournament has been fixed” and that the referee, François Letexier, “was really not fair” in the aftermath of Egypt’s exit from the tournament. Egypt’s manager, Hossam Hassan, echoed those thoughts and added that “there seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome”.

But Fifa have now responded to the accusations of a ‘fix’ with Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina claiming that ‘nobody can question the integrity’ of the officiating during the tournament.

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François Letexier was the referee for Egypt’s World Cup match against Argentina (PA)

Collina gave an interview at the conclusion of the round of 16 matches to offer his insight into how he feels the referees have peformed throughout the tournament and called out the ‘unfounded allegations’ made against the match officials.

“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. Overall, we are happy,” Collina explained.

“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.

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Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was furious with referee Francois Letexier (Erik S Lesser/AP) (AP)

“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.”

Egypt were beaten 3-2 by Argentina who staged a dramatic late comeback to eliminate the African nation from the tournament with the game featuring a number on contentious decisions.