Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has rejected suggestions that FIFA is favouring the defending champions at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, insisting that such allegations are nothing new and instead serve as extra motivation for his players. Speaking ahead of Argentina’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Sunday, Scaloni said criticism surrounding his team has only strengthened the squad’s resolve as they chase a second successive World Cup title. Debate over Argentina allegedly receiving favourable treatment from FIFA has intensified during the tournament, particularly on social media. The discussion gathered pace after Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Egypt, where an Egyptian goal was ruled out following a VAR review, while another penalty appeal from Egypt was waved away. Those decisions prompted criticism from Egypt’s coaching staff and sections of supporters, who questioned the officiating. Some fans have also argued that FIFA has a commercial interest in keeping Lionel Messi and Argentina in the competition. However, those claims remain opinions rather than verified facts. Scaloni dismissed the accusations and suggested the scrutiny stems from Argentina’s status as reigning world champions. “The thing is, we might have a lot more people who don’t want us to win because we won the last one, and well, we take that into account. And yeah, it gets to the players. We use criticism or comments to rebel. To stage a rebellion and make the players play even better,” Scaloni told reporters on Saturday. The Argentina boss also pointed out that similar allegations have followed his country for decades, including during the 1986 World Cup triumph. “It’s been a long time, 40 years as you just said, since 1986, right? They were saying we were favoured back then, too. So it’s not something new. As far back as I can remember, Argentina has always been one of the teams that stir up the tournament, always. And in a way, as you rightfully pointed out, it’s used to show the players that there are people who don’t want Argentina to win. But that’s normal, just like there will be people who don’t want another national team to win,” said Scaloni. The 47-year-old also defended the role of VAR, arguing that the technology leaves little room for manipulation. “I think with VAR and all these things, it’s very hard for them to help you. Very hard, very hard. There’s no double interpretation with VAR. Plus, they made it crystal clear to us in that course they gave us before the World Cup started. They showed us all the footage. This is how it’s going to be, it’s going to be like this, like that. And it’s been followed to the letter,” he added. Argentina will continue their title defence when they face Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, July 12.
