FIFA Referee Chief Pierluigi Collina has strongly rejected the bias allegations regarding referee decisions in the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt.
FIFA Referee Chief Pierluigi Collina has rejected the allegations of bias made against the referee decisions during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt. He stated that the match officials take decisions completely independently without any external influence.
Egypt Questions Fairness After 3-2 Defeat
Argentina defeated Egypt by 3-2 in that match. After the match, Egypt expressed dissatisfaction on the referee decisions and raised questions about the fairness of the match officials. Responding to these complaints, Collina said that putting baseless allegations on the integrity of referees is unfair.
In an interview published on the FIFA website on Thursday, he mentioned that criticism of referee decisions are a natural part of football. However, using that as a base to question their integrity is not acceptable.
Referees Work Hard Despite Pressure
Collina explained that when many matches are played in a short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as planned. He said that when this happens, referees are ready to work even harder to prepare themselves for the next game.
He also shared his worry that such allegations can put the referees and their families at risk of threats. He added that constructive discussions about decisions will always be a part of football, but baseless accusations have no place in the game.
No External Influence on Decisions
Collina made it clear that no person or official can influence the decisions of match officials in the FIFA World Cup. He said that nobody can question the integrity of the match officials.
He further added that it is wrong to say someone can influence FIFA refereeing decisions, and not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino can influence on it. The match officials make honest decisions and they always try to give their best, just like the players and coaches.
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