Egyptian FA Calls Out Officiating Bias
Egypt’s national team fell 3‑2 to Argentina in the round of 16 of the World Cup, a match played in Atlanta, Georgia, where Argentina surged ahead with three unanswered goals in just thirteen minutes.
In the aftermath, the Egyptian Football Association issued a forceful statement condemning the refereeing, asserting that the official failed to apply the laws of the game impartially and that the outcome was influenced by a perceived bias toward Lionel Messi’s side.
Coach Hossam Hassan, speaking on behalf of the squad, accused the match officials of favoring Argentina and of allowing decisions that marginalized Egypt’s chances, describing the experience as a betrayal by a soccer establishment that protects certain players.
VAR Review and the Second Goal
A subsequent VAR review determined that Marwan Attia had fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez before Egypt’s second goal, a moment the EFA argues was mishandled and contributed to the eventual collapse of their lead.
The controversy deepened when Argentina’s Lionel Messi assisted Cristian Romero in the 79th minute, igniting a comeback that produced three consecutive goals, while Egypt’s goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghir was sent off and several players received yellow cards.
The EFA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defend the rights of the national team, calling for greater transparency and consistency in the use of VAR, and urging football’s governing bodies to ensure fairness for all competitors.