The Egyptian Football Association has formally objected to the officiating in its 3-2 defeat to Argentina during a round of 16 World Cup match on Tuesday. Egypt led 2-0 until Argentina scored three unanswered goals in 13 minutes, sparking outrage from coach Hossam Hassan and players. The EFA stated it "cannot remain silent" and accused officials of mishandling the Video Assistant Referee system, particularly in disallowing what appeared to be Egypt's second goal in the 58th minute. A VAR review determined Marwan Attia fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez early in the play, nullifying the goal. "Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not a matter that can be ignored," the EFA said. FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina responded Wednesday, defending the decision and stating that a foul, regardless of visibility, can be penalized via VAR if it impacts a goal. "We believe that a foul is a foul," Collina said, adding that the VAR protocol was correctly applied. He dismissed what he called "unfounded allegations," warning they could lead to threats against officials and their families. Hassan made an "X" gesture with his arms after Argentina's winning goal in stoppage time, later claiming his team faced bias due to Lionel Messi's status. He accused the soccer establishment of favoring Argentina. FIFA has not announced any disciplinary action related to the match.
Hossam Hassan's post-match gesture and public accusation suggest the Egyptian team views the VAR decision not as an error but as part of a broader pattern of preferential treatment. The EFA's strong language challenges the neutrality of officiating in high-profile matchups where global stars are involved. If such perceptions persist, confidence in fair play during major tournaments could erode among teams without comparable influence. FIFA's defense of the officials, while firm, does not address the visible frustration that unfolded on the field.
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