FIFA denies influencing referees to help Argentina in World Cup

Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA's Referees Committee, has strongly denied allegations that the world football governing body manipulated officiating to favor Argentina in the World Cup. The accusations surfaced following Argentina's contentious 3-2 win against Egypt in the Round of 16.

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Discussions about refereeing decisions are part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in this sport.

Collina dismissed the claims as unfounded, warning that such baseless accusations could endanger referees and their families. "Discussions about refereeing decisions are part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in this sport," he stated in an official FIFA release. He asserted that no one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees or suggest that FIFA's officiating can be influenced by any party, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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No one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees. Such accusations can create threats against them and their families.

The controversy was ignited by Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, who accused the French referee, Francois Letexier, of succumbing to external pressure to favor Argentina. Hassan suggested that FIFA might want to keep the defending champions in the tournament to allow Lionel Messi a chance to win the title. "We were unfairly deceived today. We were victims of injustice. Perhaps FIFA wants the world champions to remain in the tournament. Perhaps they want Messi to continue competing," Hassan told BeIN Sports.

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No one can claim that FIFA's officiating can be influenced by any party, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The specific incident in question involved a disallowed goal for Egypt, which would have put them up 2-0. A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review determined that a foul occurred in the build-up to the goal. Collina explained that the VAR intervention was in line with the Laws of the Game, stating that if a foul is identified in the move leading to a goal and impacts it, VAR will recommend an on-field review. He clarified that there is no time or distance limit for VAR intervention as long as the foul is connected to the goal scored.

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We were unfairly deceived today. We were victims of injustice. Perhaps FIFA wants the world champions to remain in the tournament. Perhaps they want Messi to continue competing.