Collina Defends 2 Key VAR Calls in Egypt's 3-2 Loss to Argentina
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 9
Collina Defends 2 Key VAR Calls in Egypt's 3-2 Loss to Argentina
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 9
Summary
Pierluigi Collina said FIFA stands by World Cup officials after Egypt demanded the refereeing team be removed over its 3-2 last-16 defeat to Argentina.
Two second-half decisions drove the dispute: VAR disallowed Mostafa Zico's goal for Marwan Attia's foul in the buildup, and officials rejected Egypt's penalty appeal after Mohamed Salah went down.
Collina said both rulings were correct, arguing a foul in an attacking possession phase can void a goal regardless of timing, while Salah's incident was judged normal football contact.
The FIFA refereeing chief also rejected suggestions that officials were protecting Argentina or Lionel Messi, saying such allegations threaten referees and their families and that even Gianni Infantino cannot influence decisions.
The defense comes amid wider scrutiny of FIFA officiating after its reversal of Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban drew criticism from UEFA and a review request from Donald Trump.