Egypt files complaint over refereeing in Argentina World Cup last‑16 match

Egyptian football officials have formally lodged a complaint with FIFA regarding the officiating of the country’s last‑16 match in the 2024 African Nations Championship. The complaint, submitted by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), alleges that the refereeing decisions during the 2‑1 defeat to Morocco were inconsistent with the competition’s guidelines, citing missed penalty calls, an incorrect red card, and a failure to apply the VAR protocol in a timely manner. The EFA has requested a full review of the match footage and the appointment of an independent referee panel to assess the incidents.

The match, played on 12 March at the Cairo International Stadium, was pivotal for Egypt’s campaign, as a win would have secured a place in the quarter‑finals. Egyptian officials argue that the refereeing errors directly impacted the outcome, noting that the missed penalty could have changed the scoreline and that the red card issued to Egyptian midfielder Ahmed El‑Sayed was unwarranted according to the referee’s own post‑match report. FIFA’s disciplinary committee will now examine the complaint, weighing the evidence presented by the EFA against the referee’s own statements and the video footage.

If FIFA finds merit in the allegations, the governing body could impose sanctions on the officiating crew, mandate a review of the match’s outcome, or order a replay of the disputed segment. The EFA has indicated that it will remain engaged with FIFA throughout the investigation, emphasizing the importance of fair play and the integrity of the tournament. The outcome of the review will be closely watched by national associations and fans alike, as it could set a precedent for how officiating disputes are handled in future continental competitions.