There is no question about the integrity of FIFA referees: Pierluigi Collina

FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina has said that the integrity of World Cup match officials cannot be questioned, while baseless accusations have no place in the game.

The statement came in the wake of Egypt's complaints about the referees following their 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup pre-quarterfinals. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had called for the match officials to be removed from the tournament and an investigation into their decisions.

Egyptian football officials argued that two key decisions in the second half went against them, allowing Argentina to come back from a two-goal deficit.

After the match, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan claimed that his team had been unfairly treated, perhaps motivated by a desire to keep the world champions in the tournament or to keep Lionel Messi in the competition.

Pierluigi Collina rejected the allegations, saying that constructive debate on decisions is part of football, but baseless accusations are unacceptable. He said that such allegations lead to threats against referees and their families, which is absolutely not true.

He added that no one influences FIFA’s refereeing, not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino. According to him, match officials make decisions honestly and, like players and coaches, try to perform at their best.

On the other hand, FIFA is also facing criticism for its decision not to uphold the automatic ban of Fularin Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

European football body UEFA called the move “extraordinary, incomprehensible and unjustified”, while US President Donald Trump has also requested FIFA to review the decision.