FIFA’s officiating standards, particularly the application of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, remain under intense scrutiny following high-profile disputes in international matches. Pierluigi Collina maintains that VAR protocols are designed to ensure consistent intervention, even when decisions spark public outcry or allegations of bias.
How Does VAR Determine Intervention in Goal-Scoring Sequences?
According to Pierluigi Collina, the VAR system does not operate under a fixed time limit or distance constraint when reviewing the build-up to a goal. If a foul occurs during the attacking possession phase and is deemed influential, the system mandates a review.
Collina cited the Argentina versus Egypt match as a primary example of this protocol in action. Officials reviewed a goal scored by Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko after identifying that Marwan Attia had stepped on the foot of Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez during the attacking sequence. “We believe a foul is a foul, regardless of whether it looks obvious or not,” Collina stated in an interview with FIFA’s official website. If an on-field referee misses an infraction, the VAR team is empowered to intervene to ensure the game follows the laws of football.
The VAR protocol is strictly focused on the “attacking possession phase.” This means officials track the entire chain of events leading to a goal, regardless of how much time has elapsed or how many passes were exchanged between the initial foul and the final strike.
Why Are Some Contact Decisions Not Classified as Fouls?
The distinction between a punishable foul and a “natural” physical encounter often leads to confusion among spectators and players. FIFA’s officiating guidance differentiates between deliberate contact and incidental physical play.
Regarding a late-match penalty claim involving Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Argentina’s Julian Alvarez, Collina clarified that not all contact warrants a whistle. “Stepping on a player’s foot is a foul, while a defender touching the ball first and then making natural contact is not,” Collina explained. In that specific instance, both the on-field referee and the VAR team determined the interaction was a natural footballing incident, leading to the decision to play on rather than award a penalty.
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How Does FIFA Address Allegations of Referee Bias?
Pierluigi Collina has explicitly rejected claims that FIFA officials are subject to external influence or lack integrity. He emphasized that the officiating team works with total independence, distancing the refereeing body from political or administrative pressures, including those from FIFA leadership.
Collina expressed concern regarding the safety of officials, noting that questioning the integrity of referees can incite threats against them and their families. “That is unacceptable,” Collina said. While acknowledging that errors occur—particularly given the high volume of matches played in condensed windows—he stated that the organization remains satisfied with the overall performance of the refereeing teams and their readiness to improve for subsequent fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a time limit for VAR to review a goal? No. According to Pierluigi Collina, there is no specific time limit or distance from the goal for reviewing the attacking phase.
- What happens if the referee misses a foul in the build-up? If the VAR team identifies a foul in the attacking possession phase that led to a goal, they will notify the on-field referee to review the footage.
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