2026 World Cup: Storm Over Messi’s Argentina; Official Complaint Filed

Egypt refuses to accept its 3-2 loss to Argentina. The defeat, which was marred by heavy controversy over the refereeing, prompted a strong reaction from the Egyptian Football Association, which, through EFA President Hany Abo Rida, filed an official complaint with FIFA. According to the federation’s president, referee Letexier’s decisions were “scandalous” and represent yet another example of a “double standard” in the application of the rules.

At the heart of the complaints are two incidents in particular: Ziko’s disallowed goal due to an alleged foul on Lisandro Martínez and the referee’s failure to call a similar foul against Salah. These two decisions, according to the Egyptians, compromised the outcome of the match. This discontent is also evident in the report published on the federation’s official website, which reviews all the refereeing incidents deemed controversial.

In the letter sent to FIFA, the EFA requests the opening of an investigation into the refereeing errors, the exclusion of Letexier and the entire refereeing team from the remainder of the tournament, and strict adherence to the principles of impartiality in the application of the rules. The protest was submitted through the official channels between the two federations.

Immediately after the match, strong discontent had already emerged from head coach Hossam and forward Ziko, both deeply disappointed by a match that had seemed under control but instead spiraled out of control in the final minutes, further fueling the controversy.