FIFA chief referee Pierluigi Collina defended the decision-making of the match officials during the controversial round of 16 match between Egypt and Argentina.
Much of the discussion revolved around a goal by Egyptian Mostafa Zico in the 62nd minute that would have doubled his side’s lead. The goal was disallowed after a VAR review found that Egyptian Marwan Attia had committed a foul on Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez in the build-up.
Collina confirmed that the incident was a ‘clear foul’ that required VAR intervention.
«After each goal is scored, VAR checks the offensive possession phase (APP). If an error is identified during the run-up and deemed to have had an impact on the goal, VAR will recommend an on-field assessment. There is no defined limit regarding the distance to the goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal,» said Collina.
«We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul seems ‘obvious’, if the referee has not seen it on the field of play, VAR can intervene,» he added.
Egypt’s frustration increased late in the match when calls for a penalty after Argentine Julián Alvarez’s challenge on Mohamed Salah were waved away, before Argentina took to the pitch and scored the winner in the 92nd minute.
Collina explained that the Alvarez-Salah incident was normal football contact and cannot be considered a foul.
«If no foul is detected in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will inform the referee. Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, while a defender who first touches the ball and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul. Again an example of this came at the end of the same match. The referee and the VAR deemed it a normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julián Alvarez.»
Collina also asserted the integrity of the World Cup match officials.
«Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in our sport. No one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it could provoke reactions leading to threats against them and their families. This is not right.»
«No one can argue that FIFA referees can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA President (Gianni Infantino). He has always expressed his full support for FIFA Team One, while trusting that we would work in complete independence. Match officials make fair decisions and, like players and coaches, always try to do their best.»
Published on July 9, 2026
