The Egyptian Football Federation (EFA), has called on FIFA to investigate the officiating of Egypt’s controversial FIFA World Cup last-16 defeat to Argentina and remove the match officials from the remainder of the tournament.
In a formal complaint submitted to world football’s governing body, the EFA accused the refereeing team of applying “double standards” during Tuesday’s dramatic 3-2 loss, arguing that key decisions directly contributed to Egypt’s elimination.
The federation’s grievance centres on a second-half VAR intervention that disallowed Mostafa Zico’s goal, which would have extended Egypt’s lead. The goal was ruled out after video review determined that midfielder, Marwan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martinez by stepping on the defender’s foot earlier in the attacking move.
Egypt also insisted Mohamed Salah was denied a clear penalty moments before Argentina launched the counterattack that produced the decisive winning goal.
“Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA demanding an investigation into French referee, François Letexier following the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the officiating team and the double standards that caused the Egypt team to lose the match and exit the World Cup,” the federation said in a statement.
The EFA has requested that the officials involved in the match be removed from officiating duties for the remainder of the tournament, while awaiting FIFA’s response to the complaint.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
