Ex‑World Cup official calls claims of referee bias toward Messi “nonsense”

Former assistant referee Darren Cann has refuted online rumors that FIFA officials are steering matches to benefit Argentina and Lionel Messi, insisting that match officials operate without external direction.

Cann explained that referees are appointed from a range of nations and football confederations and remain separate from FIFA’s executive body throughout the tournament, denying any secret meetings or instructions that could influence outcomes.

He acknowledged that referees sometimes err, recalling a Champions League clash between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in which Messi was denied a penalty that later appeared legitimate, but emphasized the mistake was made honestly.

The former official warned that accusations of favoritism can endanger officials and their families, and he supported FIFA’s head of refereeing Pierluigi Collina after criticism following Argentina’s win over Egypt. Cann also said the England‑Argentina semi‑final loss was not decided by the referee’s performance.

Looking ahead to the final, Cann said Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic’s sole priority will be to make correct calls on the field.

Source: www.gistreel.com