CAIRO — The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally asked FIFA to remove the entire refereeing team from the World Cup after Egypt’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16, alleging serious officiating errors and “double standards” that it says cost the Pharaohs a place in the quarterfinals.
The EFA said it had submitted an official complaint to FIFA following Tuesday’s dramatic defeat in Atlanta, where Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead before Argentina completed a late comeback to advance.
In a statement, the federation said president Hany Abou Rida had requested an investigation into French referee François Letexier and the entire match officiating team, including the video assistant referees.
The complaint centered on two key incidents. With Egypt leading 1-0, VAR ruled out a goal by Mostafa Zico after Marwan Attia was adjudged to have fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez in the build-up. Later, Egypt claimed Mohamed Salah was fouled inside the penalty area moments before Argentina launched the counterattack that led to Enzo Fernández’s stoppage-time winner.
The EFA said it was demanding “the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes,” accusing the officials of making “serious refereeing mistakes” and applying “double standards.”
The federation also called for an investigation into what it described as “blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage,” while alleging discrimination against the Egyptian national team.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan questioned the officiating after the match, saying his team had been “treated unfairly” and suggesting the reigning world champions may have benefited from key decisions.
“Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running,” Hassan said.
Forward Mostafa Zico also criticized the officiating, claiming the referee had been unfair throughout the match.
Despite the controversial finish, Egypt produced its best-ever World Cup campaign, recording its first victory in the tournament, reaching the knockout stage for the first time and coming within minutes of eliminating defending champion Argentina before the late collapse.
Source: Saudi Gazette