sports
Egypt Files FIFA Complaint After 3-2 World Cup Loss to Argentina
The Egyptian Football Association submitted a formal complaint to FIFA alleging bias by referee François Letexier and his crew in the Round of 16 defeat. President Hany Abo Rida, 73, demanded an investigation that includes the VAR team.
Jul 8, 5:57 AM·1m read2 sources
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Egypt's football federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA after its 3-2 Round of 16 exit to Argentina. The Egyptian Football Association says the officiating crew headed by French referee François Letexier showed bias against the Egyptian side. Under manager Hossam Hassan, Egypt led 2-0 late in the second half before conceding three unanswered goals.
EFA president Hany Abo Rida submitted the complaint and demanded an investigation into what he called game-changing officiating errors. 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.
Abo Rida called for the review to include the VAR team as well as the on-field officials.
Egypt's complaint centers on two incidents the federation says went unreviewed. Early in the second half, with Egypt ahead 1-0, a goal from Mostafa Ziko was disallowed after Marwan Attia was penalized for a foul on Lisandro Martínez. In second-half stoppage time, Mohamed Salah went down under contact inside the box, but no penalty was awarded.
Egypt's players and staff surrounded the officials in protest. During the delay Argentina broke away and Enzo Fernández scored the equalizer. Argentina completed the comeback shortly after.
