FIFA has dismissed claims that defending world champions Argentina are receiving favourable treatment from match officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that referees carry out their duties independently and without outside influence.
The governing body addressed the allegations on Saturday through its chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, following growing criticism sparked by Argentina's Round of 16 victory over Egypt earlier this week.
In a statement, Collina firmly rejected suggestions that FIFA officials or any other individuals could influence refereeing decisions during the tournament.
“Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence,” read Collina's statement.
He also defended the integrity of match officials, saying referees make decisions honestly while striving to perform their duties to the best of their ability.
“Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best. Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport," he warned.
The statement came after Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused match officials of favouring Argentina following his team's elimination in Atlanta on Tuesday, comments that quickly fueled widespread debate among Egyptian supporters and football fans.
Hassan questioned several key decisions made during the match, expressing anger over a goal ruled out for Egypt and a penalty appeal that was waved away in stoppage time before Argentina went on to score the winner.
The Egypt coach also claimed there had been "pressure" on referee Francois Letexier and described the result as "unfair", directing criticism at the French official who took charge of the decisive Round of 16 encounter.
FIFA's response now seeks to put to rest the allegations, maintaining that its referees operate independently and that claims of outside influence have no place in football.