Egypt requests FIFA remove officials from World Cup after Argentina loss
9 reported
The Egyptian Football Association has formally asked FIFA to remove the officiating crew from the World Cup following their last-16 defeat to Argentina. The EFA filed a complaint alleging "double standards" in the match officiated by French referee Francois Letexier in Atlanta. Egypt led 1-0 in the second half before a VAR review disallowed a goal by Mostafa Zico, penalizing Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia for stepping on Lisandro Martinez's foot. Egypt also believed Mohamed Salah was fouled in the Argentina penalty area shortly before Argentina scored a stoppage-time winner to win 3-2. The EFA statement called for an investigation into "serious refereeing mistakes" and "blatant errors," demanding the exclusion of the entire officiating crew. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan and player Mostafa Zico both expressed feelings of unfair treatment, with Zico stating the tournament "has been fixed." Argentina will play Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday.
What’s reported
The Egyptian Football Association filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the officiating in their World Cup last-16 match against Argentina.
The complaint targets French referee Francois Letexier and his crew, alleging "double standards" and "serious refereeing mistakes."
Egypt led 1-0 in the second half before a VAR review disallowed a goal by Mostafa Zico, penalizing Marwan Attia for stepping on Lisandro Martinez's foot.
Egypt also believed Mohamed Salah was fouled in the Argentina penalty area before Argentina scored a stoppage-time winner to win 3-2.
The EFA demanded the exclusion of the referee and entire crew from the World Cup and alleged "the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team."
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan said Egypt had been "treated unfairly" and "suffered injustice," suggesting officials may have wanted to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the competition.
Mostafa Zico said the referee was "really unfair" and that "this tournament has been fixed."
Argentina play Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday (02:00 BST, Sunday).
BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for comment.
Key figures
Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian football federation
Francois Letexier, French referee
Mostafa Zico, Egypt player
Marwan Attia, Egypt midfielder
Lisandro Martinez, Argentina player
Mohamed Salah, Egypt player
Lionel Messi, Argentina captain
Hossam Hassan, Egypt manager
Sources: BBC News
