Washington, July 9 -- FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina has strongly defended the integrity and independence of match officials at the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting that referees cannot be influenced by anyone as controversy continues to surround several decisions during the tournament, including the contentious Round of 16 clash between Argentina and Egypt.

Speaking to FIFA after the completion of the Round of 16, Collina dismissed allegations of external influence on officiating and backed the decisions made by FIFA's refereeing team throughout the tournament.

"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 expect...