FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina has rejected allegations of bias against World Cup match officials following Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Egypt, insisting there was no external influence on the officiating.
In comments published on FIFA’s official website, Collina defended the refereeing team led by French official François Letexier, who came under heavy criticism after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win in Atlanta.
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The controversy erupted after Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan suggested the match officials may have been subjected to “external pressure” to favour the defending champions.
Hassan’s remarks followed a series of contentious decisions, including a VAR intervention that ruled out Mostafa Zico’s goal for a foul earlier in the build-up, denying Egypt what would have been a 2-0 lead.
