Collina Clarifies VAR Role After Argentina‑Egypt Controversy

FIFA released an interview with former chief referee Pierluigi Collina in which he addressed the controversy surrounding the annulled Egyptian goal in the quarter‑final between Argentina and Egypt. Collina stressed that "a foul is a foul," regardless of how apparent it is, and that VAR may step in if the on‑field referee misses the incident, noting there is no fixed distance or time limit for such intervention. sweetbonanza.qpon

Collina also cited an end‑game incident where Egypt demanded a penalty after Mohamed Salah fell in the 16‑meter following a duel with Julian Álvarez. He clarified that stepping on an opponent’s foot constitutes a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal contact does not. The match ended 3–2 to Argentina, prompting anger from Egypt’s coach toward the referee.