Rome, July 9 (LaPresse) – “We are not influenced by anyone. Not even by the FIFA president”, meaning not even by Gianni Infantino. This was stated by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, in an interview published on FIFA’s website. “Of course, constructive discussions about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in our sport,” Collina said. “No one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees. When this happens, it can trigger reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.” “Likewise,” Collina continued, “no one can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president. He has always shown his full support for the FIFA Team One, placing the utmost trust in us and allowing us to work in complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, always try to give their best.” Collina then took stock of the situation: “Let’s start by saying that we have already played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and there are still eight very important games to be played. Overall, we are satisfied. 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. In these cases, we are ready to work even harder to ensure that we are fully prepared for the next match.”
World Cup 2026, Collina: “No one influences referees, not even Infantino”
Rome, July 9 (LaPresse) – “We are not influenced by anyone. Not even by the FIFA president”, meaning not even by Gianni Infantino. This was stated by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, in an interview published on FIFA’s website. “Of course, constructive discussions about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded accusations have no place in our sport,” Collina said. “No one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees. When this happens, it can trigger reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.” “Likewise,” Collina continued, “no one can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president. He has always shown his full support for the FIFA Team One, placing the utmost trust in us and allowing us to work in complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, always try to give their best.” Collina then took stock of the situation: “Let’s start by saying that we have already played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and there are still eight very important games to be played. Overall, we are satisfied. 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. In these cases, we are ready to work even harder to ensure that we are fully prepared for the next match.”
