FIFA's Pierluigi Collina Defends World Cup Referees Amid Officiating Controversy

On Tuesday, this week, the Egyptian Football Association filed a complaint against the match officials and asked FIFA to throw those officials that were in charge of Egypt’s last-16 match against Argentina out of the tournament.

The EFA has demanded an official investigation into the ‘double standards’ of the officials after two second-half calls of fouls that went against them, which allowed Argentina overturn a 2-0 deficit late in the last few minutes of the game.

Speaking about the incident, Collina said, “of course, constructive discussion 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 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. She further added.

After the Egypt vs Argentina game ended, Egypt’s team manager said, “Egypt has been treated unfairly and suffered injustice.” He also said, “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”

Collina added - “Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA referring can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. He has always shown his full support for the FIFA team while trusting us to work with complete independence. The match officials make honest decisions and just, like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”

FIFA has been under criticism recently for its decision to uphold Folarin Balogun’s automatic ban for a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The European Union football governing body, UEFA called the move, unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable.

Collina Explains the Referee’s Decisions

When Egypt was 1-0 ahead in the match against Argentina, the VAR (video assistant referee) ruled out a goal scored by Mostafa Zico after the midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martinez’s foot at the start of the move.

A potential foul on Mohamed Salah in the penalty area of Argentina was also waved away, just a few seconds before the defending champions broke for a stoppage time winner. Although Collina did not comment on any specific incidents, she backed both the decisions.

“After a goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase. 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,” he added.

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 vs Egypt game where the latter’s player, Marwan Attia, clearly treaded on the foot of Argentine player Lisandro Martinez.

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. Equally if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. Stepping onto the 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 Salah and Julian Alvarez. “Of course there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how the principle has been applied throughout the tournament.” Collina concluded.