FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, has defended the independence of World Cup match officials following criticism of VAR decisions in Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Egypt, insisting that referees operate without influence from anyone, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Speaking in an interview published by FIFA on Thursday, Collina dismissed allegations that match officials could be influenced by external figures, describing such claims as baseless and warning that they had exposed referees and their families to threats.
“Nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President (Gianni Infantino),” Collina said.
“He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”
Addressing the controversial VAR intervention during Argentina’s win over Egypt, Collina explained that the technology was correctly used after Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia stepped on the foot of Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez during the attacking possession phase that resulted in a goal.
He stressed that under the Laws of the Game, there is no time or distance limit for reviewing incidents that directly lead to a goal.
“We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears ‘obvious’, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene,” he said.
He added that VAR is expected to advise the referee whenever a foul is identified in the attacking phase leading to a goal, while also confirming when no infringement has occurred.
“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,” Collina explained.
He cited another incident from the same match involving Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, saying both the referee and VAR correctly judged it as normal football contact rather than a foul.
Although acknowledging that refereeing decisions will always generate debate, Collina said FIFA remained satisfied with the application of VAR throughout the tournament.
“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,” he said.
The veteran Italian referee also praised the overall standard of officiating after 96 matches at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, despite the increased demands on match officials.
“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.
“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.”
