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Collina Defends VAR, Warns Bias Claims Could Threaten Referees

7/10/2026

Summary

Collina Defends Officiating

FIFA chief referee Pierluigi Collina defended officiating in Argentina's 3-2 round-of-16 win over Egypt on July 9, 2026.
He warned that unfounded bias claims could provoke threats against referees and their families.
Collina asserted that no one, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, can influence World Cup match officials.
He said VAR correctly annulled Mostafa Zico’s goal for a foul, judged the Salah-Álvarez contact normal, and reported FIFA satisfaction with VAR use.

Summary

FIFA Tightens Oversight

FIFA has expanded security oversight to monitor both digital and physical safety of match officials.
FIFA warned that unfounded attacks on officials can trigger disciplinary fines exceeding CHF 50,000 (KES 7.3 million).
The Egyptian Football Association estimates the lost USD 4 million (KES 528 million) would have funded crucial youth-development projects.
The Confederation of African Football is tracking Egypt’s formal complaint as a potential precedent for the 48-team era.

History

Historical Context

FIFA announced on 30 April 2018 that 13 video-assistant referees would support each match from the Video Operation Room in Moscow, marking the first World Cup use of VAR. Chairman of the FIFA referee committee Pierluigi Collina praised the system, and its success helped shape officiating rules for the expanded 48-team 2026 tournament.

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Collina Defends Officiating

FIFA chief referee Pierluigi Collina defended officiating in Argentina's 3-2 round-of-16 win over Egypt on July 9, 2026.
He warned that unfounded bias claims could provoke threats against referees and their families.
Collina asserted that no one, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, can influence World Cup match officials.
He said VAR correctly annulled Mostafa Zico’s goal for a foul, judged the Salah-Álvarez contact normal, and reported FIFA satisfaction with VAR use.

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