Following Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has strongly dismissed accusations of corruption directed at the officiating team. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan openly suggested that French referee Francois Letexier and his team were potentially influenced by outside pressure to ensure Argentina progressed in the tournament.
Hassan claimed his squad faced significant injustice, specifically pointing to a disallowed goal for Egypt as evidence that FIFA sought to keep Lionel Messi and the defending champions in the competition. However, Collina firmly defended the officiating staff, asserting that the integrity of the tournament remains unquestionable. He emphasized that match officials operate independently of any outside influence, including that of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Addressing the specific VAR decision that voided Mostafa Zico’s goal, Collina explained that the officials acted in accordance with protocol. He noted that a foul identified during the buildup is subject to review regardless of the timeframe or distance from the goal, stating clearly that a foul is a foul. Collina warned that unfounded accusations against officials pose a danger by inciting hostility and threats toward them and their families.
