Pierluigi Collina has spoken out publicly about refereeing at this year’s World Cup!

The legendary referee, now FIFA’s Director of Refereeing, made it clear that refereeing decisions are not influenced by anyone, not even by the president of the World Football Confederation, Gianni Infantino. He then addressed the strong complaints raised by the Egyptians regarding their team’s match against Argentina.

Here is what the legendary former referee said in detail:

“Overall, we are satisfied. However, with so many matches played in such a short period of time, it’s normal for some things not to go as expected. When that happens, they’re ready to work even harder to ensure they’re fully prepared for the next match.

Of course, constructive discussion of decisions will always be part of soccer, but baseless allegations have no place in our sport. No one can question the integrity of the referees officiating FIFA World Cup matches. When this happens, it can provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.

Similarly, no one can claim that FIFA’s Refereeing Committee can be influenced by anyone, not even by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He has always shown his full support for FIFA, while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match referees make honest decisions and, like players and coaches, always strive to do their best.

After every goal, VAR reviews the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified during the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, VAR will recommend a review on the field. There is no set limit regarding the distance from the goal or the time interval between the incident and the goal.

An example of this occurred in the Argentina vs. Egypt match, where Egypt’s No. 19, Attia, clearly stepped on the foot of Argentina’s No. 6, Martínez

We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears “obvious,” if the referee did not see it on the field, VAR may intervene.

Similarly, if a foul goes unnoticed during the build-up to a goal, VAR will notify the referee accordingly. Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who first touches the ball and then makes legal contact with the opponent has not committed a foul. Once again, an example of this occurred at the end of the same match. The referee and VAR ruled that it was a legal challenge for the ball between Salah, Egypt’s No. 10, and Álvarez, Argentina’s No. 10.

Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in certain decisions, but we are satisfied with how this principle was applied throughout the tournament.”

*photo source: AP