Egypt Coach Accuses FIFA of Favoring Argentina in Match

Following Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16, head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA and referee Franck Letexier of favoring the defending champions. Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead, with Argentina making a comeback inspired by Lionel Messi.

Hassan expressed frustration over a goal ruled out after a VAR review, which he believed was unjust, particularly regarding a foul by Alexis Mac Allister on Mohamed Salah. He alleged that external factors influenced the match outcome, suggesting that FIFA wanted to keep the reigning champions in the competition.

Hassan criticized the officiating, claiming Egypt was denied a penalty and that the second goal was unfairly disallowed. He confronted Letexier after the match, expressing his dissatisfaction with the officiating.

Egypt forward Mostafa Zico echoed Hassan's sentiments, describing the defeat as hard luck and noting that the team felt they were treated unfairly.