Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has strongly rejected allegations that FIFA is favouring the defending champions, insisting that criticism surrounding the team is nothing new and has only strengthened his players ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland.
Speaking to reporters before Saturday’s clash, Scaloni said accusations of Argentina receiving preferential treatment have followed the national team for decades.
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“It’s been a long time since 1986, and people were saying the same thing back then,” Scaloni said. “Argentina has always been a team that generates debate. There are always people who don’t want us to win, and perhaps there are even more now because we are the defending champions.”
The controversy intensified after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16. Trailing 2-0, the South Americans fought back through goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez. However, the match was overshadowed by contentious refereeing decisions, including the disallowing of an Egypt goal following a VAR review and the rejection of a late penalty appeal involving Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian Football Association subsequently lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, demanding action against French referee Francois Letexier. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan also questioned the tournament’s integrity, alleging the competition was being manipulated to keep Messi in contention.
Scaloni, however, dismissed suggestions that modern officiating could be manipulated, arguing that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system makes such claims difficult to support.
“With VAR, it’s very hard for anyone to help you,” he said. “The rules were clearly explained to us before the tournament, and they’ve been applied consistently.”
Rather than allowing the criticism to distract the squad, Scaloni said Argentina have embraced the scrutiny as a source of motivation.
“We use those comments to rebel,” he said. “They push the players to perform even better.”
Argentina will now look to keep their title defence alive when they face Switzerland in the last-eight encounter.
