New footage released by FIFA has revealed exactly what Jude Bellingham said to referee Ismail Elfath moments after England's dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Bellingham's exchange with referee
The Real Madrid midfielder appeared to question the American official's performance following England's 2-1 loss in Atlanta, where Thomas Tuchel's side surrendered a second-half lead before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the final.
The footage, captured by FIFA's referee body camera system and released as part of the governing body's behind-the-scenes coverage of the tournament, shows Bellingham approaching Elfath after the final whistle as Argentina's players celebrated their victory.
Holding out his hand to the referee, Bellingham says: "Some shocking ones, but all the best."
England's frustrations in the match
The brief exchange came after a match in which England were left frustrated by several key decisions. The Three Lions believed Enzo Fernandez should have faced stronger punishment after appearing to catch Elliot Anderson with an elbow during the first half, while there were also complaints that Lionel Messi had fouled Djed Spence in the build-up to Lautaro Martinez's dramatic winning goal deep into added time.
The semi-final was a feisty affair throughout, with 19 fouls committed before half-time alone, 12 of them by Argentina. However, only Lisandro Martinez was shown a yellow card during the opening 45 minutes.
Referee's previous links with Messi
Elfath had attracted attention before kick-off due to his previous links with Argentina captain Messi. The Moroccan-born American official had been involved in several victories for Messi-led teams, including serving as fourth official for Argentina's successful 2022 World Cup final against France before officiating a number of Inter Miami matches following the forward's move to Major League Soccer.
England's defeat ended their hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966, despite Anthony Gordon giving Tuchel's side the lead in the second half. Fernandez levelled for Argentina before Martinez broke English hearts with an injury-time winner to book a place in the final against Spain.
Aftermath of the final
Argentina's campaign ultimately ended in disappointment, however, as they lost 1-0 after extra time to Spain in New Jersey. The aftermath of that final descended into chaos, with several Argentina players becoming involved in an ugly confrontation with Spain's squad following the final whistle. FIFA has since launched disciplinary proceedings into the incidents, with several players potentially facing worldwide suspensions.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has also condemned Argentina's behaviour after the final, praising his own players for refusing to react. "At the time I didn't realise what was happening because I was celebrating with other people and hugging my players," he said. "In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that calibre. I think it's worth highlighting the behaviour of our players in the face of those provocations, because they maintained the composure expected of good sportsmen throughout."
