Egypt's national football team manager, Hossam Hassan, has vehemently accused FIFA of rigging the World Cup following a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina. Hassan cited a series of controversial officiating decisions, including a disallowed Egyptian goal and a denied penalty claim, as evidence that the tournament is being manipulated to ensure Lionel Messi's continued participation.
Argentina secured a remarkable comeback victory with three goals in the final 12 minutes, including the late winner by Enzo Fernandez. The Egyptian coaching staff reacted with fury to the final whistle, leading to goalkeeper coach Saafan El-Sagheer receiving a red card. Hassan himself was seen in a heated exchange with the match referee, Francois Letexier.
The Pharaohs were particularly incensed by a moment in the closing stages when Mohamed Salah appeared to be fouled in the penalty area by Julian Alvarez, a decision that was not given by the referee or reviewed by VAR. Earlier in the second half, an Egyptian goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
"We were better, but football is unfair," Hassan stated in a post-match interview. "It could be a matter of marketing, they could want to make a World Cup with the champion of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist (in the tournament)." He added that there was "support from all directions for the world champions. Support and marketing." Hassan also claimed that the result was influenced by "internal" and "external" factors and that Egypt had objected to Letexier's appointment as referee.
Egypt's forward Ziko, who scored the team's second goal, also expressed his frustration, describing the referee as "unjust." He stated, "The cup has already been given. Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup. You don't need anything else."
FIFA has not commented on Hassan's accusations. However, the notes indicate that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously faced scrutiny over perceived bias, including a controversial incident involving a suspended U.S. player's red card and a phone call with Donald Trump. Infantino was also seen lifting an Egyptian flag in Vancouver shortly after the country's elimination, an act that some interpreted as an attempt to counter accusations of favoritism towards Argentina.
Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, are bidding to retain their title. They will proceed to the quarter-finals to face either Switzerland or Colombia. Recent statistics highlighted that Argentina has been awarded eight penalties in their last 12 World Cup matches, a trend that has drawn attention, particularly given their victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The controversy surrounding the officiating comes as FIFA confirmed that all officials for the upcoming quarter-final match between France and Morocco will be Argentinian, marking the first time in this tournament that all referees will hail from the same nation. The report clarifies that no evidence has emerged to support allegations of corruption or match manipulation against FIFA or Infantino.