FIFA douses officiating bias row following Argentina's victory over Egypt: 'Unfounded allegations have no place'

FIFA refereeing chief Gianluigi Collina broke his silence on Argentina’s controversial 3‑2 win over Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, firmly dismissing allegations of bias in the officiating.

The Argentina-Egypt clash became one of the most controversial fixtures in the ongoing World Cup. La Albiceleste overturned a 0-2 deficit with a standout comeback, finishing the match with a 3-2 lead to officially advance to the semi-final.

Collina: 'Nobody can question the match official's integrity' 

Speaking to FIFA, Collina admitted that criticism of officials was part of the game, but hit back at claims questioning the match referee's moral standards after Egypt raised concern about officiating following their World Cup round of 16 exit.

The former Italian referee added that no one can question the integrity of the 2026 World Cup officials.

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"Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. 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," Collina said.

Collina's remarks came after the Egyptian Football Association issued a formal complaint to FIFA  against match referee Francois Letexier due to his controversial calls, which led to Egypt’s exit from the tournament.

Collina defends Letexier for not handing Egypt a penalty

Further in the interview, Collina said that the match officials worked with complete independence and were not under anyone's influence, not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President [Gianni Infantino]," the FIFA refereeing chief added.

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Collina also defended the decision not to give a penalty during the round of 16 clash, explaining that the referee and VAR review deemed the contact between Julian Alvarez and Mohamed Salah was ‘normal football contact.’

"If no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. 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.

"Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game. The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julián Alvarez," he added.

After eliminating Egypt, Argentina marches into the quarterfinals and will now face Switzerland on Sunday, July 12, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.