Egypt file FIFA complaint and demand referee removed after Argentina comeback defeat

Egypt’s Football Association has submitted a formal complaint to FIFA following their World Cup quarter-final elimination at the hands of Argentina, targeting referee François Letexier over two decisions they believe cost them a place in the semi-finals. The Egyptian federation, led by president Hany Abo Rida, has also officially called for the French officiating team to be removed from the remainder of the tournament.

Argentina overturned a two-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes, with Enzo Fernandez’s late header completing a dramatic 3-2 comeback to send the world champions through. The turnaround sparked fury on the Egyptian bench, with goalkeeper coach Saafan El-Sagheer shown a red card and manager Hossam Hassan having to be physically restrained from confronting officials.

At the centre of Egypt’s grievance are two specific incidents. First, a second Egyptian goal was disallowed after VAR flagged a foul at the opposite end of the pitch in the build-up. Egypt contend that a near-identical foul was then committed in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal and went unpunished. Second, Mohamed Salah was brought down inside the penalty area by Julián Álvarez shortly before Argentina’s decisive fifth goal, with no penalty awarded.

Egypt are seeking a formal explanation for both decisions and have called for an independent investigation into what the federation describes as controversial officiating.

Hassan was unsparing in his post-match assessment. “Why isn’t there any fairness in sport? In football? We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice,” he said. The Egypt manager went further, suggesting commercial interests may have influenced the outcome. “It could be a matter of marketing — they could want to make a World Cup with the champion of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist in the tournament,” he claimed.

Hassan acknowledged the emotional toll on his squad while stopping short of directing blame at his players. “With a severe loss like today I say to them: be upset. We wish we could be happier. Thank God for everything, but football is different from what happens in the stadium when we are playing against the world champions.”

FIFA has not yet responded publicly to the complaint.