Fifa's referee chief hits back at Argentina bias claims saying 'nobody can question integrity of officials'

Fifa's referee chief hits back at Argentina bias claims saying 'nobody can question integrity of officials'

Fifa's referees' chief, Pierluigi Collina, has hit back at claims of bias towards Argentina from Egypt, saying that "nobody can question the integrity of World Cup officials". The Egyptian Football Association called for French referee Francois Letexier and his team to be sent home following several decisions that went against them in their 3-2 loss to the world champions. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan suggested that Fifa showed favouritism towards Argentina, saying: "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition." His words came after Fifa's decision to suspend a one-game ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun after an intervention by President Donald Trump. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Collina, who is renowned in the world of refereeing, insisted that his officials were not influenced by anyone. He said: "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. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right. "Equally, nobody can claim that Fifa refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the Fifa president." LATEST SPORTS NEWS Keir Starmer raises hopes of bank holiday if England win World Cup for first time since 1966 Ukrainian tennis star labels lift of Russia Olympic ban 'terrible' as she hits out at IOC Morgan Rogers shares how England plans to deal with Erling Haaland in quarter-finals of World Cup Egypt were frustrated by multiple late decisions which did not go their way against Argentina. With the North African side up 1-0, they had their second goal disallowed after Marwan Attia was deemed to have fouled Lisandro Martinez by stepping on the centre-back's foot. Despite the incident happening near Egypt's corner flag, referee Letexier deemed the foul to be in "the attacking phase", to the