Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFootball's governing body Fifa has responded to criticism from the Egyptian FA and team members regarding refereeing decisions during their World Cup last-16 match against Argentina. Egypt, who were leading 2-0 in the closing stages, had a goal controversially disallowed at 1-0 and disputed a perceived foul in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez's winner, leading to their 3-2 defeat. Egyptian winger Mostafa Ziko claimed the "tournament has been fixed" and manager Hossam Hassan suggested "pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee" influenced the outcome. Fifa's chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, defended the officials, stating that "nobody can question the integrity" of the officiating and that "unfounded allegations have no place in our sport". Collina further asserted that Fifa Refereeing cannot be influenced by anyone, including the FIFA President, and that match officials make honest decisions, condemning threats against them and their families. In fullFifa hit back after Egypt’s ‘fix’ claim over controversial Argentina decisionsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Egyptian supporters, along with many neutrals, accused officials of favouring the reigning world champions.

Egypt’s defeat triggered anger from players, coaches and high-profile figures who questioned Fifa's officiating

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has furiously accused FIFA of rigging the World Cup after a string of controversial refereeing decisions went against his side during Argentina's late…

Egypt fell to a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup last-16 in Atlanta having been two goals ahead with a number of the referee’s decisions having since been…

FIFA has faced scrutiny throughout the tournament over its video assistant referee, which overturned a goal that could have helped Egypt defeat the South American giant.

Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 has sparked a major controversy, with Egypt manager Hossam Hassan accusing FIFA of favouring…

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan launched an extraordinary attack on the match officials following his side's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round…

Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko launched a scathing attack on the match officials after his side's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round…

Egypt lost a two-goal lead against Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16. A controversial VAR decision disallowed an Egyptian goal which changed the match. Argentina scored…

Hossam Hassan insists defending champions did not deserve 3-2 win in Atlanta that secured quarter-finals spot

Hossam Hassan insists defending champions did not deserve 3-2 win in Atlanta that secured quarter-finals spot

Egypt accuses FIFA of match-fixing after Argentina's 3-2 World Cup comeback win, with coach Hossam Hassan claiming financial motives drove a controversial

Egypt were left upset after Mostafa Ziko’s goal was disallowed and claimed a penalty in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal in the come-from-behind 3-2 win for the defending…

Egypt’s exit has led to strong accusations, while a row over Donald Trump’s interference in the tournament rumbles on

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan accuses FIFA and officials of favouring Argentina after their World Cup defeat, citing unfair decisions and external influences

ATLANTA, July 8 — The Egyptian football federation said Wednesday it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out…

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan accused match officials of injustice after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory ended the Pharaohs' historic World Cup run.

Egypt were unhappy about the way the game unfolded, believing that several key decisions went against them.

The Egyptian FA wants French referee Francois Letexier and his team excluded from the World Cup after their controversial elimination at the hands of the holders