The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally asked FIFA to investigate the officiating team that oversaw Egypt’s dramatic Round of 16 defeat to Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming serious refereeing errors influenced the outcome.
Egypt’s appeal follows a controversial 3-2 loss in Atlanta, where Argentina staged a late comeback to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Federation Demands Refereeing Team Be Removed
In a statement released after the match, the EFA confirmed that its president, Hany Abou Rida, had submitted an official complaint to FIFA.
The federation called for an investigation into French referee François Letexier and the video assistant referee (VAR) team, alleging what it described as “double standards” in key decisions during the knockout fixture.
The EFA also requested that the entire officiating crew be removed from the remainder of the World Cup, arguing that several critical errors unfairly affected Egypt’s chances of progressing.
Controversial VAR Decision Sparks Protest
One of the main incidents highlighted by Egypt occurred during the second half when Mostafa Zico appeared to double his side’s lead.
However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out after officials determined that midfielder Marwan Attia had fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez earlier in the attacking move by stepping on his foot.
The decision proved pivotal, as Argentina later mounted a comeback after trailing during the closing stages of the match.
Penalty Appeal Adds to Egypt’s Frustration
Egypt also expressed anger over another incident late in the contest.
The team believed Mohamed Salah had been fouled inside Argentina’s penalty area shortly before the defending champions launched the counterattack that produced Enzo Fernández’s stoppage-time winning goal.
The federation claimed officials failed to properly review several important moments during the match and argued that inconsistent use of VAR contributed to Egypt’s elimination.
Coach and Players Question Match Decisions
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan echoed the federation’s criticism following the defeat, saying his side had been treated unfairly.
He suggested the officiating decisions favored the reigning world champions and questioned whether there was a desire to keep Argentina and captain Lionel Messi in the tournament.
Forward Mostafa Zico also voiced his frustration after the match, describing the officiating as unfair and claiming the team had been disadvantaged from the opening stages of the contest.
Argentina Advances to Quarter-Finals
Argentina recovered from a difficult position to win 3-2 after late goals transformed the match.
Lionel Messi played a central role in the comeback by creating Argentina’s opening goal before scoring the equalizer himself. Enzo Fernández then completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner.
The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they are scheduled to face Switzerland in Kansas City.
FIFA Yet to Respond
The Egyptian Football Association has urged FIFA to examine the conduct of both the on-field officials and the VAR team as part of its complaint.
At the time of the federation’s announcement, FIFA had not publicly responded to the allegations or indicated whether it would open a formal investigation into the officiating decisions.
