The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally submitted an official complaint to FIFA, requesting a thorough investigation into the performance of referee François Letexier and the VAR team following Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Pharaohs mounted a spirited challenge against the defending champions but were eliminated amid widespread controversy over key refereeing and VAR decisions that many believe significantly influenced the match outcome. These included a late VAR intervention that disallowed an Egypt goal and other disputed calls, such as un-reviewed penalty appeals, which sparked intense protests from Egyptian players and staff.
EFA President Hany Abou Rida stated: “We respect the spirit of competition, but fairness and integrity must be upheld. Several critical decisions had a direct and decisive impact on the result. We have asked FIFA to review the officials’ performance in full and take appropriate measures to ensure such incidents do not undermine the credibility of the tournament.”
Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan and players, including Mostafa Ziko, expressed strong frustration post-match. Hassan highlighted a lack of “respect or fair play,” pointing to a disallowed goal, ignored penalty opportunities, and perceived pressure favoring Argentina. Ziko reportedly described the officiating as “unfair” and suggested the tournament appeared directed toward Argentina.
The complaint calls for FIFA to examine the specific incidents, including VAR protocols and the overall handling of the match, and to consider suspending or sanctioning the involved officials if errors are confirmed.
Egypt’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup showcased the talent and resilience of the national team, earning praise for their competitive display against one of the world’s top sides. The EFA remains committed to supporting the team’s development and advocating for higher standards of officiating in international football.