FIFA dismiss match-fixing claims over Algeria and Austria's dramatic 3-3 World Cup draw

FIFA have decided against investigating claims that Algeria and Austria colluded to share a 3-3 draw in their final World Cup group game, a result that conveniently sent both sides through to the knockout rounds.

Austria levelled in the 96th minute through a move that began with a five-minute build-up and 110 consecutive passes, moments after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead in the 93rd. Critics argued the sequence — in which Algeria appeared to allow their opponents to work the ball forward unchallenged — pointed to a pre-arranged outcome. FIFA, however, are understood to have dismissed those concerns entirely.

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick also rejected the allegations outright. Mahrez, though, did little to silence the speculation when he described the closing moments as “awkward” in his post-match comments.

“It was a bit awkward, to be honest,” the former Manchester City forward said. “We were playing wide and they were sitting, but in the last minute someone plays a ball, he turns, and I have to make the run. I have to respect football. The ball arrives in front of the keeper and I have to score — I have to try to score. I know it’s an awkward situation, but it’s football, and I have to respect it. And the good thing for them is that they score and they qualify. We both qualify, and that’s the most important thing.”

Tensions on the pitch were visible throughout the closing stages, with Marko Arnautovic seen arguing with the Algerian bench and throwing his hands up in frustration — a detail that some observers cited as evidence the result was not pre-arranged, while others interpreted it differently.

Austria finished second in the group and face a formidable knockout test against European champions Spain, with a potential meeting against Portugal or Croatia beyond that. Algeria, who finished third, will take on Switzerland, with a possible quarter-final against Argentina awaiting if both nations advance.