Egypt manager criticizes FIFA after World Cup exit
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan launched a blistering attack on FIFA following his side’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup last-16 defeat to Argentina, accusing football’s governing body of wanting Lionel Messi to remain in the tournament, reports BritPanorama.
The Pharaohs surrendered a two-goal advantage in the final 14 minutes as the defending champions staged a remarkable comeback in Atlanta on Tuesday evening. Hassan was unequivocal in his post-match assessment, stating, “This match was clearly rigged, and the whole world witnessed it.”
The Egyptian boss claimed his team had been “cheated” and suffered an “injustice” due to several contentious officiating decisions. “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing,” he declared. “If they wanted Argentina to win, why invite other teams to participate?”
Hassan outlined multiple refereeing decisions that left his squad incensed throughout the encounter. Striker Mostafa Zico had a goal chalked off following VAR intervention, which identified a foul on Lisandro Martinez during the build-up while Egypt were already ahead. “A second goal was remarkably disallowed,” Hassan stated. “There has not even been a VAR check when we have all seen the image of the shirt being pulled back.”
Frustration continued as appeals for a spot-kick went unheeded when Alexis Mac Allister appeared to tug Hamdy Fathy’s jersey moments before Enzo Fernandez netted the decisive third goal. “A penalty was ruled out, was not even checked by VAR,” Hassan complained. “We haven’t seen respect or fair play.”
The Egypt manager was involved in a heated exchange with French referee Francois Letexier at the final whistle, receiving a yellow card nine minutes into stoppage time. Discussing the confrontation, he remarked, “What I told the referee was ‘this is unfair.’ I said maybe he is carrying a scar or has something to hide. If somebody is trying to hide something, they often fail to hide it.”
Egypt had previously raised concerns regarding Letexier’s appointment due to his nationality, with Hassan referencing the 2022 World Cup final in which Argentina defeated France. “We were objecting to the selection of the referee because of the French situation,” he explained. “But everybody has to suffer at some point and we suffered.”
In protest against what he perceived as unfair treatment, Hassan announced he would refuse to watch any further matches at the summer tournament. “Anyway, when I am finished, I am not going to watch another game of this tournament,” he declared. “This is my own way of speaking up.”
Hassan also criticized the scheduling, questioning why the fixture was arranged for a midday kick-off just four days after both nations competed in their round of 32 ties. “Whoever schedules those matches has never played football. You never schedule a game for 12pm,” he stated. “At noon you go for a walk or to eat brunch, you do not go to play football.”
Social media erupted following the result, with hashtags including “FIFA Corruption Strikes Again” and “Egypt were robbed” trending on X.
This incident illustrates the intricate dance between sport and governance, highlighting the vulnerabilities that can emerge within the grand narratives of international football; yet, it is in such moments that the passion of the game truly asserts itself, reminding us all of the stakes involved.
