The back-and-forth between FIFA and Egypt is continuing after the drama in the Round of 16 clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Egypt’s controversy stemmed from two critical decisions by French referee Francois Letexier during the clash with Argentina.
First, Egypt had a goal disallowed following a VAR review for a contentious buildup foul. Later, the referee declined to review an alleged foul on Mohamed Salah inside Argentina’s box right before Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina’s 93rd-minute winner.
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Following the match, the fallout was intense. The Egyptian Football Association immediately filed an official complaint with FIFA, though referee chief Pierluigi Collina firmly defended the VAR crew’s technical decisions.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan labeled the game “clearly rigged,” while striker Mostafa Ziko slammed the officiating as entirely unfair.
And FIFA have finally given their response.
FIFA points to ‘honest decisions’ during Argentina v Egypt
Keith Hackett, a former England referee chief, has explained how suggestions of the game being rigged are ridiculous, and FIFA share the same stance.
A post on X from FIFA Media displayed comments from FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, who completely dismissed the ‘rigged’ claims at the 2026 World Cup.
“Nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone.”
“Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”
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