…threats directed at officials and their families. He backed FIFA head of refereeing Pierluigi Collina for defending officials after criticism following Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt. Reflecting on England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, Cann admitted the referee could have managed parts of the matc…

FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina has rejected allegations of bias against World Cup match officials following Argentina's Round of 16 victory over Egypt, insisting there was no external influence on the officiating. In comments published on FIFA's official website, Collina defended the refereeing team led by Frenc…