Pierluigi Collina, head of the referees committee at the International Football Association "FIFA", defended the referees of the 2026 World Cup matches, after the controversy witnessed in the Egypt and Argentina match.
Argentina's national team defeated its counterpart Egypt by three goals to two, in the match that brought the two teams together last Tuesday evening at Atlanta Stadium in the United States of America, as part of the round of 16 competitions of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
The Egypt versus Argentina match witnessed many controversial refereeing decisions by French referee François Letexier, most notably the cancellation of a goal for the Pharaohs and the awarding of a similar one to the Tango dancers.
Collina defends 2026 World Cup match referees
Collina said in statements via the "FIFA" website: "Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always remain part of football, but claims that are not based on any foundation have no place in our sport, and no one has the right to question the integrity of the referees of FIFA World Cup matches, because when that happens it may provoke reactions leading to threats directed at them and their family members, and this is unacceptable".
The head of the FIFA referees committee concluded: "Likewise, no one can claim that refereeing in the International Football Association can be influenced by anyone, even FIFA President Gianni Infantino himself, as he has always shown his full support for the FIFA refereeing team, with his confidence that we work with complete independence, and match referees make their decisions honestly and, like the players and coaches, they always strive to give their best".
