Egypt Calls for FIFA Investigation and Referees’ Removal Following Controversial World Cup Loss to Argentina

Egypt’s football federation has called on FIFA to conduct an investigation into the match officials and to take action by removing them following a contentious World Cup defeat to Argentina.

The Egyptian Football Federation (EFA) has urged FIFA to look into the officiating of Egypt’s contentious FIFA World Cup last-16 loss to Argentina and to dismiss the match officials from the rest of the tournament.

In a formal complaint submitted to the governing body of world football, the EFA charged the refereeing team with employing “double standards” during Tuesday’s intense 3-2 defeat, contending that crucial decisions played a direct role in Egypt’s elimination.

The federation’s complaint revolves around a VAR intervention in the second half that nullified Mostafa Zico’s goal, which had the potential to increase Egypt’s advantage. The goal was disallowed following a video review, which revealed that midfielder Marwan Attia had committed a foul on Lisandro Martinez by stepping on the defender’s foot earlier in the attacking sequence.

Egypt maintained that Mohamed Salah was unjustly denied a clear penalty just moments before Argentina initiated the counterattack that led to the crucial winning goal.

“Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Federation, has submitted a complaint to FIFA requesting an investigation into French referee François Letexier due to significant officiating errors made by the refereeing team and the perceived double standards that led to the Egypt team’s defeat and subsequent exit from the World Cup,” the federation stated in a release.

The EFA has asked for the officials involved in the match to be suspended from officiating duties for the rest of the tournament, pending FIFA’s response to the complaint.