Egypt has filed a formal complaint with FIFA after its controversial World Cup exit to Argentina, accusing officials of “double standards” and demanding the removal of the referee and his team. Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, with controversy centred on a VAR decision that ruled out a crucial Egyptian goal. The defeat has since fuelled viral claims on social media of Argentina receiving preferential treatment, with some users alleging the World Cup has been “rigged” in favour of Lionel Messi’s side.
Egypt’s Football Association says it “cannot remain silent” after its controversial World Cup elimination by Argentina, filing a formal complaint with FIFA over what it describes as “double standards” in officiating. The federation is demanding an investigation and has called for referee François Letexier and his entire team of officials to be removed from the tournament.
Egypt looked set to pull off one of the biggest shocks of the competition after taking a 2-0 lead against the defending champions, before Argentina scored three late goals to secure victory. The Egyptians have challenged several refereeing decisions, including a VAR intervention that ruled out Mostafa Zico’s goal for a foul. The federation also argues that VAR failed to review a challenge on Mohamed Salah moments before Argentina’s stoppage-time winner, which it says should have resulted in a penalty.
Head coach Hossam Hassan accused the officials of denying his side a place in the quarter-finals, claiming Egypt had been “cheated” and suggesting there were “external factors” that helped Argentina and Lionel Messi remain in the competition.
The fallout from the defeat has fuelled a wave of online claims accusing FIFA of favouring Argentina, with some social media users alleging the tournament has been “rigged” in the world champions’ favour. Critics have also pointed to Messi avoiding a red card for a challenge on Aïssa Mandi during Argentina’s match against Algeria, comparing it with a similar incident involving US striker Folarin Balogun, who immediately received a red card before the decision was later overturned after intervention by Donald Trump.
Adding to the controversy, a video of FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulating Argentina’s players after their match against Cape Verde has circulated widely online. Speaking to Argentine media, Infantino said he had “suffered with them” during the game before adding that, ultimately, he remained neutral. Some fans interpreted the remarks as evidence of favouritism.
Accusations of bias have continued into the knockout stages, with FIFA facing criticism after appointing an all-Argentine officiating team for the quarter-final between France and Morocco. The decision prompted backlash from some supporters because of France and Argentina’s status as title contenders and their recent rivalry.
Vedika Bahl explains in Truth or Fake.
