Egypt has filed a formal FIFA complaint after its controversial World Cup exit against Argentina, accusing officials of “double standards” and demanding the removal of the referee and his team. Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina’s dramatic comeback, with controversy surrounding a VAR decision that ruled out a crucial Egyptian goal. The defeat has fuelled viral claims of Argentina favouritism and a “rigged” World Cup designed to benefit Lionel Messi’s squad.
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 calls “double standards” in officiating. The federation is demanding an investigation and has called for referee; Frenchman 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, befpre Argentina scored three late goals to secure victory. The Egyptian side has disputed several refereeing decisions, including a VAR intervention that ruled out Mostafa Zico’s goal for a foul. Egypt also claims VAR failed to review a challenge on Mohamed Salah moments before Argentina’s winning goal in stoppage time, which it says should have resulted in a penalty.
Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of denying his team a place in the quarter-finals, claiming his side had been “cheated” and suggesting there were “external factors” that helped Argentina and Lionel Messi remain in the competition.
The fallout from Egypt’s 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 pointed to Messi avoiding a red card for a challenge on Aissa Mandi during Argentina’s match against Algeria, comparing it with a similar incident involving US striker Folarin Balogun, who immediatelt received a red card before the decision was later overturned after intervention by Donald Trump.
Adding to the online controversy, a video of FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulating Argentina’s team after their match against Cape Verde has also circulated widely. Speaking to Argentine media, Infantino said he had “suffered with them” during the game before adding at the end that he was neutral. Some fans interpreted the comments as showing favouritism towards Argentina.
The claims 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 sparked backlash from some supporters, given France and Argentina’s status as title contenders and their recent rivalry.
Vedika Bahl explains in Truth or Fake.
