Updated

Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 19

Former World Cup Official Darren Cann Rejects 103-Match Bias Claims Before Argentina-Spain Final

Updated

Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 19

Former World Cup Official Darren Cann Rejects 103-Match Bias Claims Before Argentina-Spain Final

1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 19

Darren Cann said claims that FIFA and referees are steering Lionel Messi and Argentina toward the World Cup title are "nonsense" ahead of Sunday's final against Spain.
Cann, an assistant referee at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, said officials operate independently in a separate camp, make their own calls and are not directed by FIFA executives.
He acknowledged mistakes are inevitable in a fast game, citing disputed calls across the tournament's 103 matches, but said errors do not amount to a coordinated plan.
Pierluigi Collina already defended referee Francois Letexier after Egypt accused his team of favoring Argentina in a 3-2 last-16 loss, underscoring how such claims can trigger abuse and threats.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will handle the final, and Cann said his only concern will be avoiding result-changing errors, not who lifts the trophy.

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