Egypt files official FIFA complaint over refereeing in Argentina match

Egypt's Football Association has filed a formal complaint with FIFA after their controversial World Cup elimination by Argentina, accusing officials of "double standards" and demanding the removal of referee Francois Letexier and his entire team from the tournament.

Egypt took a 2-0 lead before Argentina scored three late goals to secure victory. The Egyptian side disputed several refereeing decisions, including a VAR intervention that ruled out a goal by Mostafa Zico for a foul. Egypt also claims VAR failed to review a challenge on Mohamed Salah moments before Argentina's winning goal in stoppage time, which they argue should have resulted in a penalty.

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of denying his team a place in the quarter-finals, suggesting "external factors" helped Argentina and Lionel Messi remain in the competition.

The defeat has fueled online claims accusing FIFA of favoring Argentina, with some social media users alleging the tournament is "rigged" in favor of the world champions. Critics pointed to Messi avoiding a red card for a challenge in Argentina's match against Algeria, comparing it to a similar incident involving US striker Folarin Balogun who received a red card. A video of FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulating Argentina after their match against Cape Verde also circulated, with Infantino saying he "suffered with them" – comments interpreted by some as showing favoritism.

Allegations of bias continued into the knockout stages, with FIFA facing criticism after appointing an all-Argentine officiating team for the quarter-final between France and Morocco.