Sports

FIFA Suspends Egypt’s Coach, Forward and Manager Over World Cup Refereeing Criticism

By Al Jazeera Staff

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has suspended Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan for three matches, forward Mostafa Zico for five matches, and national team manager Ibrahim Hassan for three matches after they criticised the referee following Egypt’s round‑of‑16 loss to Argentina. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said it had requested the committee to provide detailed reasons and justifications for the sanctions and plans to appeal after reviewing the legal aspects. The suspensions could keep Hossam and Ibrahim out of Egypt’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Malawi in November and the first match of the March international window, while Zico will be unavailable until June.

Egypt were eliminated by Argentina, who came from 2‑0 down to win 3‑2 in Atlanta on July 6. The Pharaohs were upset by several controversial decisions, including a disallowed goal early in the second half, a red card for a coaching staff member after the winning goal, and a VAR decision that ruled out a Zico goal when Egypt were leading 1‑0. Zico had also been denied a penalty in the build‑up to Argentina’s winner. Hossam Hassan said the team had been “cheated” and suffered injustice, while Zico’s goal was also ruled out for a foul in the build‑up. FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating, warning that allegations could provoke threats against referees and their families.