Egypt Files FIFA Complaint as Argentina's ‘Rigged’ World Cup Claims Go Viral
Egypt says VAR errors and a missed penalty review helped Argentina win 3-2, and it wants referee François Letexier removed from the tournament.
- On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Egyptian Football Association filed a formal complaint with FIFA following its World Cup elimination by Argentina, accusing officials of "double standards" and demanding the removal of referee Letexier and his team.
- Leading 2-0 early on, Egypt saw its momentum collapse as Argentina scored three late goals to secure victory, with the Egyptian side disputing a VAR intervention that ruled out a goal and a missed penalty review on Mohamed Salah.
- Coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of denying his team a quarter-final spot, claiming his squad had been "cheated" and suggesting "external factors" helped Argentina and Lionel Messi remain in the competition.
- Viral online claims allege the tournament is "rigged" to favor Argentina, with critics pointing to Messi avoiding a red card for a challenge on Aissa Mandi while Folarin Balogun received one for a similar incident.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces criticism after a widely circulated video showed him congratulating Argentina, while further complaints emerged over the appointment of an all-Argentine officiating team for the France-Morocco quarter-final.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Egypt files official complaint against World Cup referee; French media predicts FIFA's stance
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) filed an official complaint with FIFA against French referee François Letexier following his highly controversial decisions during Egypt’s Round of 16 match against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The EFA has demanded a formal investigation into Letexier and his entire officiating crew. The core of Egypt’s protest centers on a critical denied penalty for the Pharaohs just moments before Enzo Fernández sco…
Egypt's national team was leading 2-0 against Argentina in the round of 16 of the World Cup, but in the end they had to say goodbye after a major upset by the South Americans. The coach, players and leaders of the Egyptian national team could not come to terms with the defeat, as they believe that the referees were too favorable to their opponents and decided the match.
Egypt files FIFA complaint as Argentina's ‘rigged’ World Cup claims go viral
Egypt has filed a formal complaint with FIFA after its controversial World Cup exit to Argentina, accusing officials of “double standards” and demanding the removal of the referee and his team. Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, with controversy centred on a VAR decision that ruled out a crucial Egyptian goal. The defeat has since fuelled viral claims on social media of Argentina receiving preferential treatment, with som…
JPNN.com: The Egyptian Football Federation (EFA) has asked FIFA to investigate all referees in the match against Argentina.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
