FIFA Probes Egypt Trio After World Cup Loss to Argentina

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan, team manager Ibrahim Hassan, and midfielder Mustafa Zico due to comments made after their World Cup defeat to Argentina. The Pharaohs were eliminated in the last 16 with a 3-2 loss, marking their first historic progression to the knockout stages.

Hossam Hassan criticized the refereeing standards, suggesting they were influenced by commercial interests to favor Messi and Argentina, asserting that Egypt was the superior team. Mustafa Zico described the World Cup as a “rigged” event, claiming the referee acted against Egypt.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed that FIFA has initiated these proceedings and is preparing its response, emphasizing its respect for FIFA laws and fair play. The EFA stated that necessary legal responses will be submitted on time.

Previously, FIFA had fined Egypt's goalkeeping coach Saafan Al-Sagheer for protesting the referee's decisions during the same match, indicating that further sanctions may be imposed on the involved officials and player.