Egypt files FIFA complaint against referee after controversial Argentina World Cup defeat

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally complained to FIFA over the officiating in Egypt's dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat to defending champions Argentina, alleging that key refereeing decisions, particularly a disallowed goal, had a decisive impact on the outcome of the match.

EFA seeks investigation, removal of officiating team

EFA president Hany Abo Rida has submitted a formal complaint to FIFA against French referee François Letexier and his officiating team following Egypt's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to Spanish publication Diario AS.

The complaint comes after Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina sparked widespread debate over several refereeing decisions. The biggest flashpoint came in the second half when Mostafa Ziko's goal was ruled out following an on-field VAR review. Officials determined that an infringement had occurred around 20 seconds before the ball crossed the line, a decision that proved pivotal as Argentina held on to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

According to Diario AS, the EFA believes the referee played a "decisive role" in Argentina's victory.

The Egyptian federation has sought clarification from FIFA while also calling for an investigation into what it describes as controversial decisions that went against the Pharaohs. It has further requested that Letexier and his officiating team be removed from the remainder of the tournament, alleging that significant errors influenced the result of the match.

Hossam Hassan announces World Cup boycott

Following Egypt's exit, head coach Hossam Hassan announced that he would personally boycott the rest of the FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament lacked fairness and justice.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Hassan said, as quoted by ESPN UK, "Argentina's victory is entirely undeserved. I promise you, once I return today, I will not watch football in this World Cup at all, because there is no justice in it. My personal protest is that I will not watch this World Cup again. When I get back home and back to our country, I am not watching it".

He further added, "We had the right to win, and I don't want to say 'hard luck' to us - No. We left with honour, honour on our part. But the final result, aside from being highly influenced, is a far cry from the 'fair play' that FIFA talks about and far from respect. There was neither respect nor fair play today."

Controversy follows Balogun suspension reversal

The Egypt controversy comes shortly after another high-profile FIFA World Cup officiating and disciplinary dispute involving United States forward Folarin Balogun.

Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, triggering an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA later suspended that ban under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, allowing the striker to feature in the United States' Round of 16 match against Belgium.

The decision attracted criticism after US President Donald Trump disclosed that he had spoken with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to "review" Balogun's suspension before FIFA subsequently announced its decision.

(With inputs from ANI)