Egyptian Football Association (EFA) filed a formal complaint with FIFA over officiating in Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina in World Cup round of 16 . EFA claims VAR misuse swayed the match's outcome.
On Wednesday,EFA released a statement expressing dissatisfaction with key decisions during game. Egypt led 2-0 with 11 minutes left, eyeing an upset over the defending champs. But late Argentine goals crushed those hopes.
“Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly influenced course of the game,” EFA stated, stressing high officiating standards for FIFA World Cup 2026.
EFA President Hany Abo Rida singled out French referee Francois Letexier and his team in the complaint. They demand accountability amid growing VAR scrutiny. FIFA hasn't responded yet .
Controversy flared over Egypt's Mostafa Zico's disallowed 62nd-minute goal,overturned by VAR citing a foul in buildup . Fans and analysts are debating the call.
Near match end,Egypt's penalty appeal for Hamdy Fathy challenge was dismissed. Argentina seized the chance, scoring decisive goal in the 92nd minute.
Simon Chadwick,professor at Emlyon Business School in Shanghai,questioned why VAR intervened if on-field officials didn't call a foul. “A logical solution to the VAR issue would be for fans and viewers to listen to an assessment of the alleged offence,hear the various arguments,and have a clear insight into the basis for a decision,” he said.
Chadwick noted emotional reactions from players are common,but VAR left a sense of injustice. “This technology was supposed to minimize doubt and bring consistency. Instead,its use during this match had significant cognitive and behavioral effects,” he added.
After match,Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan and captain Mohamed Salah voiced disappointment. Former players and pundits echoed their sentiments, scrutinizing decisions.
Rob Green,former England goalkeeper, criticized VAR decision on Fox's broadcast, “Surely, this is not within VAR’s [realm] to review this. It’s a full length of the pitch away.”
Alan Shearer,Premier League's all-time leading scorer, questioned officiating consistency . “Either both are fouls, or neither is. But they told us they won’t re-referee,” he wrote on social media.
Ian Wright,former Arsenal striker,pointed to another moment with Salah,arguing VAR should have intervened for Egypt too. “If you’re going to pull it back for Argentina on the edge of the box to disallow a goal, you have to pull it back for this one with Mo Salah,” he said on ITV.
Jamie Carragher,former Liverpool defender,criticized VAR's inconsistency,suggesting a different outcome in European leagues. “If that was in Premier League, La Liga or Serie A,it would have been a goal even after VAR review,” he stated.
