The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has asked Fifa to kick the officials in charge of their World Cup last-16 defeat by Argentina out of the tournament. The EFA said it had lodged a complaint with football’s world governing body and wants an investigation into “double standards” of officiating in the game in Atlanta.
Controversy Over Ruled Out Goal
With Egypt leading 1-0 in the second half, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out a goal by Mostafa Zico. This decision followed Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia being penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martinez’s foot at the start of the move. Egypt also believed Mohamed Salah was fouled in the Argentina penalty area, seconds before the reigning champions broke for the stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who could be playing in his final World Cup, set up their first goal in the 79th minute. Messi then scored an 83rd-minute equaliser, contributing to Argentina completing an extraordinary comeback to beat Egypt.
EFA Cites “Blatant Errors” and “Discrimination”
An EFA statement confirmed that Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian football federation, filed a complaint with Fifa. This complaint demanded an investigation into French referee Francois Letexier after what the EFA described as “serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards,” which it claimed caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup.
The EFA called for an investigation of the team of referees and video technology referees after what it said were “blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage.” The association “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes” and further alleged “the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team.” Egypt have never reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Manager and Player Accusations
After the game, manager Hossam Hassan said Egypt had been “treated unfairly” and “suffered injustice.” He speculated, “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”
Mostafa Zico, whose goal was ruled out, stated, “The referee was really unfair. The injustice was clear. There’s been an unfairness right from the start of the match.” Zico further added, “It is clear that this tournament has been fixed.” The EFA also confirmed it has approved a new contract for Hassan, who has been in charge of the national team since February 2024.
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa for comment regarding the complaint. Protests against referees and their decisions rarely get anywhere at the World Cup. The referees’ committee might quietly provide the officials with their plane tickets home, but complaints are typically given short shrift. At the 2022 World Cup, France lodged a protest following a 1-0 defeat to Tunisia, but Fifa threw out the appeal with a very short statement. Argentina are scheduled to play Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday.