Egypt will lodge an official complaint to FIFA following referee Francois Letexier's performance during their World Cup last-16 defeat to Argentina. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally requested an investigation into what they describe as controversial rulings and has demanded that the French officiating team be withdrawn from the rest of the tournament.
Controversial Decisions Spark Fury
The African side were knocked out by the world champions in remarkable fashion, as Lionel Messi and his teammates netted three times in the closing 15 minutes to overturn a two-goal disadvantage. Egypt's aspirations of a major shock were dashed by Enzo Fernandez's late header, but the side believed the referee was instrumental in their defeat with two significant decisions counting against them.
Egypt had a second goal disallowed after VAR intervened, identifying a foul at the opposite end of the pitch before they went on to score. Significantly, a comparable foul was then overlooked by the officials, despite occurring in the build-up to Argentina's winning goal. The Pharaohs also believed they should have been awarded a penalty moments before the decisive fifth goal when Mohamed Salah was brought down inside the area following a challenge by Julian Alvarez.
Formal Complaint and Demands
EFA president Hany Abo Rida has lodged a formal complaint, according to Diario AS. The federation is now demanding an explanation regarding the referee's decision and has requested an investigation into the officiating. They have also formally requested that the French officiating team, led by Letexier, be withdrawn from the rest of the tournament.
Touchline Chaos and Accusations
Argentina's winning goal sparked unsavoury scenes on the touchline, with the Egyptian bench furious over the contentious decision. Goalkeeper coach Saafan El-Sagheer was shown a red card, while manager Hossam Hassan had to be physically restrained from confronting the official. Hassan himself was booked by Letexier despite displaying an 'X,' which was meant to symbolize racist abuse.
Hassan said: "Why isn't there any fairness in sport? In football? I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice."
Allegations of Bias
Hassan then alleged that football's governing bodies were determined to keep Argentina and Messi in the competition. "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)," suggested the Egypt boss. "I wish we could be happier with the loss, but with a severe loss like today I say to them (my players) 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."
