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Kylian Mbappé is the first player to have 8+ goals in two different World Cups 🔥

😳 👉 This clown Pierluigi Collina denies bias claims in Argentina vs Egypt game.

FIFA just released an Interview with Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer after the Argentina-Egypt controversy!

🎙️ The Round of 16 ties have now concluded, and we are 96 matches into the FIFA World Cup™. What is your overall assessment?

🗣️"Let’s start by saying that we have now played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and there are still eight more huge games to be played.

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. 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 [Gianni Infantino]. He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best."

🎙️Are there any specific areas of focus for you?

🗣️"Usually, during a competition, we prefer not to focus on specific incidents. However, as we recently clarified what match officials would be looking for when attacking players try to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from moving and being able to defend the goal, we also wanted to clarify another topic that has generated debate.

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.

An example of this came in the Argentina v Egypt game where Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martínez.

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.

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 Julián 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.

👉 After Switzerland's penalty shootout victory to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, head coach Murat Yakin looked ahead to Argentina: "There's nothing better than having this opportunity. However, the last two matches have also shown that Argentina are vulnerable."

"For a country like Switzerland, there's nothing better than playing a World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. The excitement is huge," he continued.

“We can challenge the world champions." 😱

So, the thing is... how will Messi react to Yakin's comments? Will Switzerland's coach fuel the beast once again? 👀

Imagine what was going through his mind! Any ideas ? 😳

💔 The heartbreak of seeing Luka Modrić in tears after what was his final-ever FIFA World Cup match. The last dance of Croatia's legendary No. 10 on football's biggest stage. 🇭🇷

Thank you for the unforgettable memories, the magic, and the beautiful football, legend. You will not be forgotten Luka! ❤️

🚨 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed the VAR controversy following Argentina vs Egypt.

👉 Gianni Infantino:

"Before I say anything, let me make one thing very clear. I've spent decades in football. I've worked with referees, competitions and the Laws of the Game for many years. When a decision creates this much debate around the world, it is my responsibility to understand exactly what happened."

"That's why I didn't watch the incident once. I didn't watch it twice. I watched it more than ten times. I paused every angle, listened to the VAR communication available to the match officials, and reviewed every replay from different camera angles—not because Argentina or Egypt were involved, but because football deserves facts before opinions."

"After reviewing everything carefully, I did not find evidence that the VAR team intentionally tried to favour one side over the other."

"People have every right to question decisions. They have every right to disagree. That's football. But disagreement should never automatically become proof of conspiracy."

"VAR was introduced to reduce clear and obvious errors. It was never meant to eliminate every debate, because football will always have subjective moments."

"I understand why Egyptian supporters feel disappointed, and I understand why Argentine supporters believe the officials made the correct decisions. That tells you how difficult these situations are."

"The responsibility of football's governing bodies is not to satisfy one fanbase or another. It is to apply the Laws of the Game as consistently and fairly as possible. If improvements are necessary, every incident will be studied. No referee is above review. No decision is above analysis."

"Passion will always exist. Debate will always exist. But trust is built through transparency, consistency and accountability—not through rumours or assumptions. Football belongs to everyone, and our responsibility is to protect its integrity every single day."

Describe him 🇺🇸