Egypt files FIFA complaint as Argentina ‘rigged’ World Cup claims go viral • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

Egypt’s Football Association has filed a formal complaint with FIFA following Egypt’s World Cup last-16 defeat to Argentina. The complaint argues the match was decided by biased or inconsistent refereeing and VAR decisions.

The request asks FIFA to remove referee François Letexier and the entire officiating team from the tournament, citing multiple alleged “blatant errors.” One key claim is that VAR was used to disallow Egypt’s goal, while (Egypt says) it did not review an Argentina foul on Mohamed Salah. Egypt argues that foul should have resulted in a late penalty just seconds before Argentina scored their go-ahead winner in stoppage time.

Egypt’s coach response

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan said his team was “cheated unfairly,” suggesting external factors may have influenced events. He also claimed Argentina received support “at every level,” including to keep the world champions—and Lionel Messi—in the competition.

Wider backlash and commentary

The controversy has spread beyond Egypt. Pundits and football commentators, including Thierry Henry, are cited for criticizing what they describe as a “lack of coherence” in the way refereeing decisions and VAR checks were handled.

Online, supporters worldwide have turned the incident into broader conspiracy talk about whether the tournament is fixed in Argentina’s favor, fuelled by claims of repeated favorable treatment. The coverage also references an “integrity crisis” atmosphere around the 2026 World Cup, alongside earlier allegations involving a disputed suspension overturn for a U.S. striker. Social-media comparisons are noted between alleged similar fouls involving Messi during the group stage and the U.S. case.

Fans also point to Argentina receiving unusually few bookings despite committing many fouls in another match, reinforcing perceptions of bias.

FIFA leadership and officiating-team criticism

The report adds that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s post-match comments—where he said he was “neutral” after congratulating Argentina and expressed sympathy during their game—have further angered fans, who interpret his actions and influence as favoritism.

Separately, FIFA’s appointment of an all-Argentinian officiating team for the France vs. Morocco quarter-final has been criticized as another sign of perceived bias. Didier Deschamps is quoted saying France is not “stressed” and will simply handle controversial decisions as they arise.

Presenters / Contributors

• Mark (presenter; name not fully shown in subtitles)
• Vadic (presenter; name shown: “Vadic”)
• Thierry Henry (quoted commentator/pundit)
• Hossam Hassan (Egypt coach; quoted)
• Gianni Infantino (FIFA president; quoted)
• Didier Deschamps (France coach; quoted)