'A foul is a foul': FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer backs VAR call in Argentina-Egypt clash

FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, has firmly defended the fairness and independence of referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Amid ongoing debate over several decisions, including the controversial Round of 16 clash between Argentina and EgyptCollina's remarks came after Egypt's dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat to the defending champions, which sparked widespread debate over officiating decisions."After every goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified in the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review. There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal," he said, as per FIFA.

Egypt had almost scored a decisive second goal, but the referee disallowed it after a VAR review.

Officials decided that Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia had fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez by stepping on his foot while executing the attacking move before the goal was scored. Explaining the decision, Collina said FIFA's interpretation of the Laws of the Game had been applied consistently."In the Argentina v Egypt game where Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martinez.

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 of play, the VAR can intervene," he added.He further added, "Equally, if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. Stepping on an opponent's foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul. Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game. The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No.

10 Julian Alvarez.""Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament," he concluded.