Scaloni jokes about French referee for Argentina-Egypt match, reiterates VAR proposal

Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni reacted with humor and a touch of surprise when informed that the referee for their upcoming match against Egypt would be Frenchman François Letexier. Scaloni revealed that he had only learned of the referee's nationality moments before the press conference, having been told by a team member during the car ride.

When questioned about potential concerns regarding a French referee and a French VAR team, Scaloni lightened the mood with a joke, differentiating between "bar talk" and VAR. He emphasized that the nationality of the officials did not worry him, stating, "They are all French, perfect for me. It doesn't change anything for me that it's like this."

Scaloni took the opportunity to reiterate a proposal he has previously made to FIFA. He believes that having referees from the same country for both on-field and VAR decisions would promote a more uniform interpretation of fouls and penalties. "I once told FIFA that if the three or four field referees are from one country, it would be good for the ones above to also be from the same country," he explained, citing differing interpretations of penalties as an example. Despite this suggestion, he maintained a relaxed stance on the current officiating team for the match.