The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally complained to Fifa following Egypt’s controversial 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the World Cup last 16, calling for the match officials involved to be removed from the rest of the tournament.
The EFA confirmed that president Hany Abou Rida had submitted a complaint requesting an investigation into what the organisation described as “serious refereeing mistakes” and “double standards” during the match in Atlanta.
The biggest controversy came in the second half with Egypt leading 1-0, when Mostafa Zico’s goal was disallowed following a VAR review. Officials ruled that Marwan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martinez earlier in the build-up after stepping on the defender’s foot.
Egypt were also frustrated late in the game when they believed Mohamed Salah had been fouled inside Argentina’s penalty area shortly before the defending champions launched the attack that resulted in their stoppage-time winner.
The EFA criticised both the on-field refereeing team and VAR officials, accusing them of failing to review key incidents properly. It called for French referee Francois Letexier and his entire team to be excluded from the remainder of the World Cup while the decisions are investigated.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan claimed after the match that his side had been treated unfairly and questioned whether there was a desire to keep defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in the competition.
Zico was also highly critical of the officiating, saying the decisions had gone against Egypt throughout the match.
Argentina survived the scare thanks to a late comeback inspired by Messi, who assisted their first goal in the 79th minute before scoring the equaliser four minutes later. The victory kept alive Argentina’s title defence and possibly Messi’s final World Cup campaign.
Egypt’s elimination means they are still waiting for their first appearance in a World Cup quarter-final, while Argentina move on to face Switzerland in Kansas City.