Football fans have accused FIFA of rigging the World Cup after the governing body announced an all-Argentinian officiating team for France's quarter-final clash against Morocco. The match, set for Thursday, will see Facundo Tello as the referee, with Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade as assistant referees. Dario Herrera will serve as the fourth official, and Cristian Navarro as the reserve assistant referee.
Allegations of Bias
The announcement has sparked outrage on social media, with fans claiming FIFA is favouring Argentina, the reigning world champions who defeated France in the 2022 final. One X user wrote: "All Argentina referees for a France match, FIFA trying everything to rig the World Cup for Argentina once again." Another commented: "It already looks rigged." A third added: "A full Argentinian delegation, you will never beat the allegations."
These claims follow Argentina's controversial 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16. Egypt's Mostafa Ziko, who scored a goal later disallowed by VAR, called the match "rigged." He said: "It was a rigged game. It wasn't our fault. That referee… it seems like this match was rigged. We were winning 2-0, and he kept coming at us. Congratulations to Argentina on another World Cup, it seems."
Egypt's Complaints
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan echoed Ziko's sentiments, accusing FIFA of marketing motives. He stated: "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. 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)."
Egypt also believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Mohamed Salah was brought down by Julian Alvarez before Argentina's winning goal. The Pharaohs have reportedly filed a FIFA complaint, demanding the removal of officials from the tournament.
Upcoming Matches
Argentina will face Switzerland in their quarter-final, with the winner meeting either England or Norway in the semi-finals. France, meanwhile, must overcome Morocco to keep their title hopes alive.
