FIFA’s chief referee Pierluigi Collina has defended the quality of officiating at the 2026 World Cup and insisted that referees are not influenced by outside statistics or pressure.
This referee, who has been the chairman of the FIFA refereeing committee since 2017, issued a public response following the criticism of many controversial incidents during the tournament in North America.
Among the major issues discussed was the decision to overturn the red card suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun after FIFA president Gianni Infantino held talks with American President Donald Trump.
There was also anger from Egypt following the Last 16 defeat by Argentina, the African team questioned the decision not to allow a goal that would have put them ahead 2-0 in the second half.
Speaking in an interview published by FIFA, Collina defended the officials and procedures used during the competition.
“Overall, we’re happy,” he said.
“However, since such a high number of games are played in a short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected.
“When that happens, they are ready to work hard to make sure they are completely ready for the next game.”
‘No one can doubt the integrity of officials’
Collina also dismissed suggestions that referees were influenced by people outside the FIFA refereeing structure.
“Constructive discussions about decisions will always be part of football, but baseless allegations have no place in our game,” he said.
“No one can doubt the integrity of FIFA World Cup officials.
“If this happens, it may cause a reaction that leads to threats to them and their families.
“No one can say that FIFA referees can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA president,” he said.
“He always shows his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting that we will work with complete independence.
“The match officials make honest decisions and like players and coaches they always try to do the best they can.”
Why Egypt’s goal against Argentina was disallowed
Collina also spoke about the disallowance of Egypt’s goal against Argentina.
He explained that video assistant referees review every phase of the attack leading up to every goal and can recommend a review on the pitch if a foul is detected.
“There is no limit set regarding the distance from the goal or the time between the incident and the goal,” said Collina.
“Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia is clearly stepping on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martinez,” Collina said.
“We believe that playing badly is a mistake.
“Regardless of whether the mistake seems obvious, if the referee did not see it on the field, VAR can intervene.
“Stepping on opponents is a mistake, and a defender who touches the ball first and then touches the ball has not made a mistake,” he said.
“The referee and VAR saw as normal the ball contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julian Alvarez.
“Yes, there will always be an element of humility in some decisions, but we are happy with the way this goal has been applied throughout the competition.”
