Egypt Files FIFA Complaint After 3-2 World Cup Loss to Argentina

Egypt's football federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA after its team's Round of 16 exit from the World Cup. The Egyptian Football Association says the match officiating crew showed bias against the Egyptian side. Under manager Hossam Hassan, Egypt led 2-0 late into the second half before conceding three unanswered goals and losing 3-2.

EFA president Hany Abo Rida, 73, submitted the complaint to FIFA. He is demanding an investigation into game-changing officiating errors and said the referee's mistakes and inconsistent application of the rules cost Egypt the match and its place in the tournament.

The federation described the pattern of calls against Egypt as discriminatory and asked FIFA to remove the officiating crew from the rest of the competition if the allegations are confirmed.

Egypt's complaint centers on two incidents the federation says went unreviewed. Early in the second half, with Egypt ahead 1-0, a goal was disallowed after a player was penalized for a foul. In second-half stoppage time, a player went down under contact inside the box, but no penalty was awarded.

Egypt's players and staff surrounded the officials in protest, and during the delay Argentina broke away and scored the equalizer, AllAfrica reported. The match was officiated by French referee François Letexier.