The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has filed an official complaint with FIFA following Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, demanding an investigation into the officiating and calling for the match officials to be removed from the tournament.
The complaint centres on the performance of French referee François Letexier and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, with the EFA alleging that several controversial decisions had a direct impact on the outcome of the match in Atlanta.
One of Egypt’s biggest grievances was the disallowed goal scored by Mostafa Zico in the second half. After a VAR review, officials ruled that midfielder Marwan Attia had fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez in the build-up by stepping on his foot, leading to the goal being overturned.
The Pharaohs were also left frustrated after Mohamed Salah was denied a penalty despite strong appeals, moments before Argentina launched the stoppage-time attack that produced the winning goal.
In a statement, the EFA said its president, Hany Abou Rida, had formally requested FIFA to investigate what it described as “serious refereeing mistakes” and “double standards” during the match. The association also urged FIFA to suspend the referee, his assistants and the VAR officials from the remainder of the tournament while the complaint is being reviewed.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan questioned the fairness of the officiating after the game, suggesting the decisions favoured the defending champions.
“Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running,” Hassan said.
Goalscorer Mostafa Zico also voiced his frustration, accusing the officials of treating Egypt unfairly throughout the contest.
The defeat ended Egypt’s hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history, while defending champions Argentina advanced to the last eight, where they will face Switzerland.
