…hints at possible rescind after multiple review
By Our Sports Correspondent
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has broken his silence on the VAR controversy that marred the highly anticipated clash between Egypt and Argentina, declaring that “no decision is above analysis” and that football’s governing body will review every incident amid mounting global pressure.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the match ended in heated debate, Infantino said he had personally examined the footage more than ten times before commenting. The match, which pitted two football heavyweights against each other, sparked outrage online and in stadiums after several VAR interventions left fans on both sides questioning the officials.
“Before I say anything, let me make one thing very clear,” Infantino said. “I have spent decades in football. I’ve worked with referees, competitions, and the laws of the game for many years.”
The controversy centered on key moments in the second half that were sent to the video room for review. Egyptian supporters argued that at least one clear penalty was overlooked, while Argentine fans defended the officials’ calls as consistent with the Laws of the Game. Social media was flooded with slow-motion replays, conspiracy theories, and calls for FIFA to release the VAR audio.
In response, Infantino said he went beyond the broadcast angles.
“When a decision creates this much debate around the world, it is my responsibility to understand exactly what happened,” he said. “That is why I didn’t watch the incident once. I didn’t watch it twice. I watched it more than ten times. I paused every angle. I listened to the VAR communication available to the match officials. I looked at every replay from different cameras.”
The FIFA President stressed that his review was not motivated by the teams involved.
“Not because Argentina were involved. Not because Egypt were involved. Because football deserves facts before opinions,” he said.
After his review, Infantino concluded that there was no evidence of bias from the VAR team. “After reviewing the incidents carefully, I personally did not find evidence that the VAR team intentionally tried to favour one side over the other,” he said. “People have every right to question decisions. People have every right to disagree. That is football. But disagreement should never automatically become proof of conspiracy.”
He also defended the purpose of VAR itself, reminding fans that the technology was never designed to end debate entirely.
“VAR was introduced to reduce clear and obvious errors,” Infantino said. “It was never introduced to eliminate every debate, because football will always have subjective moments.”
The President acknowledged the pain felt in Cairo while also recognizing the relief in Buenos Aires.
“I understand why Egyptian supporters feel disappointed. I also understand why Argentine supporters believe the officials made the correct decisions. That tells you how difficult these situations are,” he said.
Infantino made it clear that FIFA’s priority is consistency, not appeasing one fanbase. He confirmed that the refereeing department will conduct its standard post-match analysis and that changes will be made if necessary.
“The responsibility of football’s governing bodies is not to satisfy one fanbase or another. It is to apply the Laws of the Game as consistently and fairly as possible,” he said. “If our refereeing department believes improvements are necessary, we will study every incident exactly as we do after every major match.”
In his strongest statement, Infantino put referees and decisions under the same microscope as players and coaches.
“No referee is above review. No decision is above analysis. That is how football continues to improve,” he said.
Infantino called on football fans across the world to remain calm and trust the process, even as passion continues to drive the sport.
“Passion will always exist. Debate will always exist. But trust is built through transparency, consistency and accountability, not through rumours or assumptions,” Infantino said, concluding that “Football belongs to everyone. Our responsibility is to protect its integrity every single day.”
FIFA has not indicated whether it will release the full VAR audio from the Egypt-Argentina match, but sources within the organization say the incident will be included in the next refereeing seminar for elite officials.
