Egypt file FIFA complaint as Ziko says World Cup was fixed

Egypt file formal complaint with FIFA over Letexier

Egypt's FA have lodged an official complaint with FIFA against French referee François Letexier after the 3–2 loss to Argentina on Tuesday (1) (2) (5). The federation, led by president Hany Abo Rida, is also working to gather support from other African nations within CAF, reportedly telling colleagues "they robbed us" (2) (5). The dispute centers on a disallowed Mostafa Ziko goal, ruled out after a VAR review for a foul on Lisandro Martinez, and several other decisions that went against your team (5).

Ziko: 'This tournament has been fixed'

Mostafa Ziko did not hold back after the match. "There's been an unfairness, right from the start of the match. It is clear that this tournament has been fixed," the Egypt striker said (5) (6). His fury followed the VAR intervention that chalked off what would have been one of the goals of the tournament.

Collina rejects Egypt's allegations

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina pushed back hard. "Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football. But unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup," he said (4) (6). Collina insisted Letexier got the call right: "A foul is a foul" (4).

Ex-PGMOL chief says VAR got it wrong

Keith Hackett, the former head of England's referees body, sided with Egypt. "That goal from Ziko was just unbelievable. It was one of the goals of the tournament," Hackett said, reviewing the footage. "For me, as a referee, it wasn't clear and obvious, the foul on Martinez. The referee was in a good position to judge. VAR, stay out of it!" (5).

New York mayor: Egypt were robbed

The controversy has traveled far beyond football. New York mayor Zohran Mamdani posted about "agreeing with your friends that Egypt were robbed yesterday" after watching the match (6). The tweet has since gone viral among Egypt supporters.

A run that gave the country something to feel

Egypt led Argentina 2–0 and had the world champions on the ropes. Messi and company hit back with three goals in 13 minutes to flip the tie (1) (3). The pain is raw, but your team gave Egypt its first collective joy in 15 years, and pushed the tournament favorites to the absolute edge (1).

Fan reactions

The mood is a mix of fury and pride. On Reddit, fans are circulating reports that FA president Hany Abo Rida is lobbying CAF colleagues hard behind the scenes to back Egypt's complaint. One thread titled "Argentina and Egypt: What they don't want you to see" has gained traction, with supporters dissecting every controversial call. See the discussion on r/soccer.