Egypt asks FIFA to investigate referees after Argentina defeat

ZURICH:  Egypt’s football federation said it has filed a formal complaint with FIFA over the officiating in its World Cup round-of-16 loss to Argentina, alleging serious refereeing and video review errors that affected the outcome of the match.

The federation said it had asked FIFA to investigate French referee François Letexier and the video assistant referee (VAR) officials and requested that they be removed from the remainder of the tournament.

According to the federation, the match officials applied inconsistent standards, declined to review several key incidents and made clear errors that contributed to Egypt’s elimination. It called on FIFA to conduct a full investigation.

The complaint follows widespread criticism from Egyptian players, coaching staff and some supporters over several controversial decisions during the match, including the disallowing of an Egyptian goal after a VAR review and the decision not to award fouls or a penalty in incidents involving captain Mohamed Salah.

Head coach Hossam Hassan also protested several decisions during the game and was shown a yellow card by the referee.

Argentina came from behind to defeat Egypt 3-2, securing a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

FIFA had not publicly responded to the Egyptian federation’s complaint at the time of publication.