International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) refereeing Chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating in Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, dismissing allegations of bias and saying match officials ​operated with complete independence.

In an interview published on inside.fifa.com on Thursday, Collina said ‌criticism of referees was part of football, but he condemned the questioning of the officials’ integrity after Egypt complained about the officiating following the defeat.

“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have ​no place in our sport,” Collina said.

“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World ​Cup match officials. Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by ⁠anyone, not even by the FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Collina said that such allegations could provoke threats against ​referees and their families.

Egypt exited the tournament but claimed they had been treated unfairly after Argentina overturned a ​2-0 deficit to snatch victory with a stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernandez.