Collina backs FIFA referees after Deschamps' semi-final critique
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended referee Ivan Barton and his crew after Didier Deschamps questioned their officiating in France’s 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, asserting the selection process is rigorous and the referees are world-class; Deschamps pointed to a first-half Spain penalty on Yamal and a late overturn of a France free-kick as controversial calls, while France acknowledged they weren’t at their best against a clinical Spain side.