Collina addresses Argentina‑Egypt quarter‑final controversies

In a recent interview, FIFA’s former chief referee Pierluigi Collina discussed the contentious 3‑2 defeat of Egypt by Argentina in the quarter‑final. He said a clear step on an opponent’s foot – as Marwan Attia allegedly did on Lisandro Martínez – is a foul, and that VAR can intervene even if the referee misses it. Collina added that there is no set distance or time limit for a foul to be called. sport-newz.biz

Collina also referred to a late‑game incident where Egypt demanded a penalty after Mohamed Salah fell inside the 16‑meter box following a duel with Julian Alvarez. He clarified that a defender’s subsequent normal contact after touching the ball does not constitute a foul. The match ended 3‑2 to Argentina, prompting Egyptian coach criticism of the officiating.