FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, gave a positive review of the refereeing after the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, while also addressing the many controversies that marked the tournament
FIFA’s Chief of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, gave a positive assessment of refereeing after the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, while addressing the many controversies that have surrounded the tournament.
“Overall, we are satisfied with the refereeing in this World Cup,” he told FIFA Media, before defending the independence of referees. “No one can claim that refereeing is influenced by anyone, not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino.”
Collina also spoke out against accusations aimed at officials, reminding that baseless criticism can lead to threats against referees and their families, a situation he considers “unacceptable.”
