FIFA’s director of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has defended Iván Barton after France coach Didier Deschamps raised doubts about the official’s suitability for a World Cup semifinal.
The dispute came after Spain beat France 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, with Deschamps pointing to the penalty decision and other moments he felt harmed his team.
France’s frustration after the loss
Deschamps said he would “look like a sore loser” if he complained too much, but still asked whether the referee was “up to the task of officiating a semifinal.” He added that he had “nothing against the referee tonight,” while urging others to ask the same question.
Collina responded in a statement with a direct defense of the officiating standard. “Yes, absolutely,” he said when asked whether Barton was up to the job, adding, “Our referees are world class.”
ESPN noted that Collina has previously defended World Cup officials after criticism from Egypt following its loss to Argentina.
| Key Detail | France | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Lost 2-0 | Won 2-0 |
| Semifinal moment highlighted | Penalty and other calls questioned | Benefited from the penalty after Lamine Yamal drew a foul |
| Next stage | Third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday | World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey |
Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal drew the foul, and Pedro Porro added a second goal to secure Spain’s place in the final.
France will now play in the third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, after missing a chance to become only the third team to reach three straight World Cup finals.
Deschamps said Spain’s defending made it hard for France to create chances, while also pointing to technical mistakes that left his side below the level needed to trouble the opposition.
Spain will face either defending champions Argentina or England in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, across the river from New York City.