Egypt FA files formal complaint over VAR decisions in World Cup exit

Egypt FA files formal complaint over VAR decisions in World Cup exit

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has officially voiced "serious concerns" regarding officiating and the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following the team’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16. The match, held in the United States, saw Egypt surrender a 2-0 lead before conceding a 92nd-minute winner to Enzo Fernandez. According to media reports, EFA President Hany Abo Rida has submitted an official complaint against French referee Francois Letexier and his assistants.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the EFA declared that it “cannot remain silent” regarding the officiating. “Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly influenced the course of the game,” the association stated. The EFA emphasized that a number of local and international football experts have highlighted "controversial and influential" incidents during the match, underlining the need for integrity and transparency in the tournament.

The controversy primarily centers on a disallowed goal by Egypt’s Mostafa Zico in the 62nd minute, which would have extended Egypt's lead. The goal was ruled out following a VAR review that identified a foul by an Egyptian player in the buildup. Refereeing expert and former Premier League official Graham Scott later argued that the challenge by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martinez should not have been considered a foul, calling the VAR intervention "an intervention too far." Additionally, Egypt expressed frustration after appeals for a penalty following a challenge on Hamdy Fathy were waved away, and later claimed a penalty should have been awarded for an incident involving Mohamed Salah.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan offered a scathing assessment of the match, suggesting the result was affected by factors off the pitch. “We looked better than the reigning champions - better in everything - but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it,” Hassan said. “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. We haven't seen respect or fair play.” He added, “We have been treated unfairly and it has been an injustice.”

The officiating sparked debate among several pundits. Former England goalkeeper Rob Green stated, “Surely, this is not within VAR’s [realm] to review this,” regarding the decision to disallow the Zico goal. Former England captain Alan Shearer questioned the consistency of the decision-making, noting on social media, “Either both are fouls or neither is.” Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher stated that in the Premier League, LaLiga, or Serie A, the goal “would have been a goal even after VAR review,” while former Arsenal striker Ian Wright highlighted the inconsistency in handling the penalty appeals, noting of the Salah incident, “If you’re going to pull it back for Argentina on the edge of the box to disallow a goal, you have to pull it back for this one.”

Simon Chadwick, a professor of Afro-Eurasian sport at the Emlyon Business School, noted that while players should not become overwhelmed, “a sense of injustice was induced by the VAR decision.” He suggested that providing fans with a clear insight into the basis for such decisions would be a logical solution to the ongoing issues. As Argentina advances to the quarter-finals to face Switzerland, FIFA has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the Egyptian complaint. The defeat marks the end of Egypt’s campaign, which saw the nation reach the round of 16 for the first time in their history, excluding the 1934 tournament.