Egypt files FIFA complaint after controversial World Cup exit

Egypt’s Football Association has officially lodged a complaint with FIFA following the national team’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The federation said its president, Hany Aburida, submitted the complaint, alleging that several major refereeing mistakes and inconsistent decisions influenced the outcome of the match.

Egypt made a strong start and took control of the game. However, a goal by Mostafa Ziko was disallowed after a VAR review ruled that there had been a foul in the build-up. Despite the setback, Ziko scored again to give Egypt a 2-0 lead. Argentina, however, staged a remarkable comeback and eventually won the match 3-2 to secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Egyptian federation also argued that the team should have been awarded a penalty before Argentina’s winning goal. It claimed that Alexis Mac Allister fouled Hamdy Fathy inside the penalty area, but the referee did not award a spot-kick.

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In its complaint, Egypt asked FIFA to investigate French referee Francois Letexier and the entire VAR team. The federation alleged that several key incidents were either judged incorrectly or not reviewed despite the availability of video evidence. The federation also urged FIFA to remove the entire officiating team from the remainder of the tournament if the investigation confirms the alleged refereeing errors.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan also criticised the officiating after the match. He said his team had been treated unfairly and insisted that several crucial decisions went against the Pharaohs. FIFA had not publicly responded to Egypt’s complaint at the time of filing, while Argentina advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals with the victory.