Collina defends World Cup refereeing integrity amid Egypt's complaints

Pierluigi Collina, president of FIFA's Referees Committee, has strongly defended the integrity of officiating in the 2026 World Cup, pushing back against accusations of bias and external influence. Collina specifically endorsed French referee François Letexier, whose performance was criticized by Egypt following their defeat to Argentina.

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Of course, constructive debate about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in our sport. No one can question the integrity of the referees.

"Accusations without foundation have no place in our sport. No one can question the integrity of the referees," Collina stated in an interview published on FIFA's website. He emphasized that refereeing decisions are independent and cannot be swayed by any individual, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who he affirmed provides "total support" to the refereeing team while respecting their autonomy.

Collina addressed the controversy surrounding the Argentina-Egypt match, where Egypt's football federation demanded Letexier's exclusion due to alleged "blatant refereeing errors." Collina supported the VAR's decision to disallow an Egyptian goal in the 58th minute due to a foul and defended the non-call of a penalty in added time, deeming the contact between players as "normal football contact."

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No one can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president.

Notably, Collina did not comment on the controversy involving American player Folarin Balogun. Reports suggested U.S. President Donald Trump contacted Infantino to review Balogun's red card, which was later rescinded by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee. FIFA never publicly explained the reasons for overturning the sanction.

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a normal football contact