Collina defends World Cup referees after Egypt's controversial defeat
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 7:37 AM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina stated that World Cup match officials cannot be questioned regarding their integrity, responding to the Egyptian Football Association's claims of unbalanced officiating following Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina. After a series of disputed calls, the EFA has called for an investigation, citing unfair treatment during the match. Collina emphasized that referees operate independently and are committed to honest decision-making. He also defended specific VAR decisions during the match, including the disallowance of a potential Egypt goal and a foul against Mohamed Salah. Further discussions about officiating standards continue as FIFA faces scrutiny over another ruling involving Folarin Balogun's red card suspension.
- •Collina asserts that match officials' integrity is unquestionable.
- •Egypt's EFA demands an investigation into officiating after their loss.
- •Two second-half calls influenced Egypt's match against Argentina.
- •VAR ruled out an Egypt goal due to foul in the build-up.
- •FIFA criticized for handling of Folarin Balogun's suspension.
- 7:37 AMYahoo Sports — Noboody can question integrity of World Cup referees - Collina
- 7:35 AMBBC Sport — Noboody can question integrity of World Cup referees - Collina
"World Cup officials are not "influenced by anyone" and "nobody can question the integrity" when it comes to decision-making, says Fifa chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina.
"World Cup officials are not "influenced by anyone" and "nobody can question the integrity" when it comes to decision-making, says Fifa chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 7:37 AMNoboody can question integrity of World Cup referees - Collina
World Cup officials are not "influenced by anyone" and "nobody can question the integrity" when it comes to decision-making, says Fifa chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina.
- BBC SportJul 9, 2026, 7:35 AMNoboody can question integrity of World Cup referees - Collina
World Cup officials are not "influenced by anyone" and "nobody can question the integrity" when it comes to decision-making, says Fifa chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina.
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