FIFA hits back against referee allegations made by Egypt but England now ‘furious’

FIFA has hit back at the stinging allegations made by Egypt after the country was knocked out of the World Cup tournament by Argentina

Egypt demanded an investigation into the game, and wanted the match officials to be booted out of the tournament, but FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina has slammed the allegations of bias, saying they are completely “unfounded”.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.

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“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).

“Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”

Meanwhile, the governing body is now dealing with a furious England team after star defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match ban.

After a VAR review in the thrilling clash with Mexico, Quansah was handed a red card for a dangerous tackle on Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo, and it was accepted Quansah would miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway.

But FIFA have decided his suspension will run for two matches, ensuring he will miss the semi-final if England progress.

The English Football Association were considering an appeal to FIFA — buoyed by FIFA’s decision to suspend USA striker’s Folarin Balogun’s ban following a call from Donald Trump — but that is not possible in this instance.

“England cannot appeal against Jarrel Quansah’s two match ban under FIFA rules, but I understand (coach) Thomas Tuchel is furious at the decision,” Sky Sports football reporter Rob Dorsett said.

“He asked FA officials to lodge their dissatisfaction to FIFA’s disciplinary committee in the strongest terms.”

Needless to say there was mass outrage on social media, with fans again making “corruption” claims.

But there was also some support for the two-match ban.

Sports reporter Oliva Kay said: “Quansah red card was correct, as is (his) two-game ban. All entirely uncontroversial ... if it wasn’t for the fact that FIFA applied their rules differently in the Balogun and Ronaldo cases.”

FIFA also stepped in ahead of the tournament to suspend a ban for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The football legend had received a three-match international ban in 2025 and had missed one game, however, the FIFA disciplinary committee invoked Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and suspended the remaining two matches of the suspension which would have coincided with Portugal’s first two World Cup games.

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