FIFA's referees' chief Collina hits back at angry World Cup allegations

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Refereeing icon Pierluigi Collina has hit back at criticism and defended match officials at the World Cup. They have come under fresh scrutiny following allegations of bias during Argentina's dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt.

Mohamed Salah saw his World Cup dreams end dramatically as the defending champions staged an unlikely comeback to keep their hopes of retaining the tournament alive. However, Francois Letexier came under fire from Pharaoh's head coach, Hossam Hassan, who appeared to suggest foul play against his side.

The Egyptians felt aggrieved when several decisions did not go their way. However, Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer, has come out swinging to defend his officials.

He said in an interview with the FIFA website : "Overall, we are happy. However, with such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected. When that happens, they are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared for the next match.

"Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. Nobody can question the integrity of the

FIFA World Cup

match officials.

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Refereeing icon Pierluigi Collina has hit back at criticism and defended match officials at the World Cup. Those in the middle came under fresh scrutiny following allegations of bias during Argentina's dramatic 3-2 win over

Egypt

.

Mohamed Salah

saw his World Cup dreams end in dramatic fashion as the defending champions staged an unlikely comeback to keep their hopes of retaining the tournament alive. However, Francois Letexier came under fire from Pharaoh's head coach, Hossam Hassan, who appeared to suggest an element of foul play towards his side.

The Egyptians were left feeling aggrieved when a number of decisions didn't go their way.

However, Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer, has come out swinging as he defended his officials. He said in an interview with the

FIFA website

: "Overall, we are happy. However, with such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected.

"When that happens, they are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared for the next match.

The Egyptian FA said that "several key incidents raised serious concerns and profound questions" and Hassam was left visibly angered after the defeat, taking aim at the officiating.

He said: "Life is unfair. The

world

is unfair. Okay, but why isn't there any fairness in sports? I'm not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match.

"The referee is unfair, God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs. He's wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards

Argentina

."

The officiating has come under the microscope during the knockout stages after a glut of flashpoints involving those with the whistle.

Folarin Balogun's red card for serious foul play was suspended, rather than overturned, following his dismissal during the USA's win over

Bosnia

. A phone call from a disgruntled

Donald Trump

sparked fury after the US President's interference raised integrity concerns as their key striker was made eligible to feature against

Belgium