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The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) filed a formal complaint with FIFA on Wednesday, calling for the organization to investigate referee François Letexier following the team’s 3-2 loss to Argentina on Tuesday; multiple outlets reported.
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“Hany Abo Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, filed a complaint with FIFA demanding an investigation into French referee Francois Letexier after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the officiating team and double standards that caused Egypt to lose the match and exit the World Cup,” the federation said in a statement on Wednesday.
Controversy began to swirl before the match even reached halftime, after a goal from Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko was called back by Letexier after a review determined Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez had been fouled during the lead-up.
Despite a late 2-0 lead, Argentina stormed back in the final minutes to win the match 3-2.
However, Egypt’s biggest issue was the officiating in the moments leading up to Enzo Fernández‘s eventual game-winning goal. The EFA argues that Hamdy Fathy was pulled down inside the penalty area by Alexis Mac Allister and that the team should’ve been awarded a penalty kick.
EFA said the referees failed to properly review the play.
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