Former World Cup assistant referee Darren Cann has rejected allegations that FIFA officials favour certain teams and players like Argentina and Lionel Messi.
He insists referees are completely independent and never instructed to influence match outcomes.
Cann, who officiated at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups alongside referee Howard Webb, said conspiracy theories surrounding officiating at the ongoing tournament are “nonsense” and unfairly damage the reputation of match officials.
‘There is no favouritism’
Cann dismissed claims circulating online that FIFA wants Argentina and Messi to win the World Cup, stressing that referees make decisions without outside influence.
“And it is nonsense. I can’t stress this strongly enough.”
The former official explained that referees are selected from different countries and football confederations and operate independently throughout the tournament.
“We were independent, and we made our own decisions. I can assure you this has not changed.”
He added that referees remain isolated from FIFA executives during the competition.
“I’m sorry to disappoint any conspiracy theorists, but I can promise you there aren’t any clandestine meetings between FIFA’s executive committee and the referees.”
Cann also rejected suggestions that officials favour star players.
“You just make the decision, irrespective of the teams and which players are involved.”
Mistakes do not equal conspiracy
Cann acknowledged that referees sometimes make incorrect decisions but said those errors are part of football rather than evidence of bias.
He recalled a Champions League match involving Barcelona and Bayern Munich where Lionel Messi was denied what later appeared to be a legitimate penalty.
“In hindsight it probably was a penalty – we probably did get it wrong but we called it honestly.”
The former assistant referee warned that accusations of bias can have serious consequences, including 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 match differently but insisted the officiating did not determine the outcome.
“Ultimately, the reason why we’re not in the World Cup final is not down to the referee.”
Cann concluded by saying Sunday’s World Cup final referee, Slovenian official Slavko Vincic, will have only one objective.
“The only thing in your mind, I assure you, is getting the decisions correct.”
