Egypt Files Official Complaint Over World Cup Referee

The Egyptian Football Association filed a formal complaint against French referee Francois Letexier after the team's 2–1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16. The association said the officiating was unfair and questioned the use of VAR.

Several disputed calls occurred in the final minutes. An Egyptian goal was disallowed due to a foul in the 58th minute. Argentina, trailing by two goals in the 79th minute, rallied to win. The victory was historic: the first time a team overcame a two-goal deficit with 15 minutes left in a knockout stage match.

Egypt's manager Hossam Hassan said his team was "treated unfairly" and suggested outside influence. "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition," he told reporters.

The association's official website cited a missed foul on Mohamed Salah in the 16th minute, a so-called gift of a free kick in the 45th, and another missed call before the winning goal. FIFA had no comment.

Egypt advanced past the group stage for only the second time since 1934. They scored a national-record eight goals in the tournament. Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinal Saturday.