FIFA Refereeing Officer defends officials after Argentina-Egypt controversies
FIFA refereeing officer defends officials after Argentina-Egypt controversies
FIFA refereeing officer defends officials after Argentina-Egypt controversiesJon Arnold, USA TODAYThu, Jul 9, 2026·3 min read
FIFA's chief refereeing officer defended a pair of controversial officiating decisions made in Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 and stressed that match officials are free from the influence of the governing body when calling games.
"Nobody 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," Pierluigi Collina said in an interview on the governing body's website. "Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President."
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What were the controversial calls in Argentina's World Cup win over Egypt?
But Collina took the unusual step of going over the plays in the interview.
"Usually, during a competition, we prefer not to focus on specific incidents," he said. "However, as we recently clarified what match officials would be looking for when attacking players try to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from moving and being able to defend the goal, we also wanted to clarify another topic that has generated debate."
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The Italian ex-referee noted that "There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal," when the VAR is checking to see if a foul was committed that led to the attacking possession phase.
"Stepping on an 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," the referee chief said.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after a dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt. Argentina's comeback began with its first goal by Cristian Romero in the 79th minute before Messi and Enzo Fernández sealed the victory.
(Paul Childs, Reuters)
Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualifies for the quarter finals of the World Cup.
(Amanda Perobelli, Reuters)Argentina's Enzo Fernandez scores the team's third goal pulling Argentina ahead 3-2 against Egypt. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Argentina's Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring the team's third goal with teammates. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)rgentina's Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister celebrate after Enzo Fernandez scores the team's third goal. (Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Enzo Fernandez and teammates. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team's second goal against Egypt during the Round of 16 of the World Cup. (Carlos Barria, Reuters)Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team's second goal with teammate Julian Alvarez. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Argentina's Lionel Messi scores the team's second goal tying the game against Egypt 2-2 during Round of 16 of the World Cup on July 7, 2026. (Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Argentina's Cristian Romero scores the team's first goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026. (OMAR AZIZ, Reuters)Argentina's Cristian Romero scores the team's first goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026, during Round of 16 of the World Cup in Atlanta. (Carlos Barria, Reuters)Argentina's Cristian Romero scores the team's first goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026, during Round of 16 of the World Cup in Atlanta. (Amanda Perobelli, Reuters)Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt scores a goal that was disallowed following a VAR review during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dan Mullan, Getty Images)Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt scores his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Elsa, Getty Images)Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi reacts during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (THOMAS COEX, AFP via Getty Images)Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi takes a free kick during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)Egypt's defender #02 Yasser Ibrahim (3rd R) scores his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Egypt's defender #02 Yasser Ibrahim heads the ball and scores his team's first goal past Argentina's defender #06 Lisandro Martinez during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (THOMAS COEX, AFP via Getty Images)Egypt's defender #02 Yasser Ibrahim (C) heads the ball and scores his team's first goal past Argentina's defender #06 Lisandro Martinez during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images)Yasser Ibrahim #2 of Egypt celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Egypt's goalkeeper #23 Mostafa Shoubir stops a penalty shoot by Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts after his penalty kick is saved by Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina competes for the ball against Ramy Rabia #5 of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina and teammates prepare for kick off before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina returns to the dressing room after the warm up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)Players and match officials walk into the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dan Mullan, Getty Images)1 / 31
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez scores the team's third goal pulling Argentina ahead 3-2 against Egypt. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring the team's third goal with teammates. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
rgentina's Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister celebrate after Enzo Fernandez scores the team's third goal. (Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Enzo Fernandez and teammates. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team's second goal against Egypt during the Round of 16 of the World Cup. (Carlos Barria, Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the team's second goal with teammate Julian Alvarez. (Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Lionel Messi scores the team's second goal tying the game against Egypt 2-2 during Round of 16 of the World Cup on July 7, 2026. (Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Cristian Romero scores the team's first goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026. (OMAR AZIZ, Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Cristian Romero scores the team's first goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026, during Round of 16 of the World Cup in Atlanta. (Carlos Barria, Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's Cristian Romero scores the team's first goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026, during Round of 16 of the World Cup in Atlanta. (Amanda Perobelli, Reuters)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt scores a goal that was disallowed following a VAR review during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt scores his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Elsa, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi reacts during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (THOMAS COEX, AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi takes a free kick during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Egypt's defender #02 Yasser Ibrahim (3rd R) scores his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Egypt's defender #02 Yasser Ibrahim heads the ball and scores his team's first goal past Argentina's defender #06 Lisandro Martinez during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (THOMAS COEX, AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Egypt's defender #02 Yasser Ibrahim (C) heads the ball and scores his team's first goal past Argentina's defender #06 Lisandro Martinez during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Yasser Ibrahim #2 of Egypt celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Egypt's goalkeeper #23 Mostafa Shoubir stops a penalty shoot by Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts after his penalty kick is saved by Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina competes for the ball against Ramy Rabia #5 of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina and teammates prepare for kick off before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina returns to the dressing room after the warm up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
Argentina shocks Egypt with thrilling late World Cup rally
Players and match officials walk into the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
He said Alvarez winning the ball late was an example of a play in which the referee and VAR were right to avoid intervening.
"Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament," Collina concluded.