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Algeria files formal complaint with FIFA over refereeing against Argentina

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Algeria's Football Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA over refereeing in their World Cup match against Argentina.
  • The complaint centers on an incident where Lionel Messi stepped on defender Aïssa Mandi's calf, which Algeria believes warranted a red card.
  • Algeria also cited two other incidents involving elbowing that they felt should have resulted in expulsions, though they do not expect the match result to change.

Algeria has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, protesting what they deem "refereeing injustice" during their World Cup match against Argentina. The Algerian Football Federation specifically highlighted an incident in the first half where they believe Lionel Messi should have been sent off.

the complaint refers above all to Messi's foul, which deserved a red card according to the general opinion.

— Algerian federation sourceExplaining the basis of the formal complaint filed with FIFA.

The contentious moment occurred around the 30-minute mark when Messi stepped on the calf of Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi with his studs. The referee, Szymon Marciniak, did not penalize the action, and the VAR also did not intervene to review the incident. At that point, Messi had already scored the opening goal and would go on to score two more, leading Argentina to victory and equaling Miroslav Klose's record for most World Cup goals.

There were also two elbowings on Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa, in situations that also justified an expulsion.

— Algerian federation sourceDetailing further incidents cited in the complaint against Argentina's play.

According to a source within the Algerian federation, the complaint primarily focuses on the Messi incident, which they argue clearly merited a red card. The federation also pointed to two other instances where players Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa were elbowed, actions they believe also justified expulsions.

We are not saying that the Argentine team was not strong, but we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. The three actions were perfectly clear and the VAR did not intervene.

— Algerian federation sourceJustifying the decision to file a complaint despite not expecting a result change.

While Algeria acknowledges Argentina's strength, they stated they "cannot remain silent in the face of injustice." The federation clarified that the complaint was filed the day after the match within FIFA's stipulated deadlines. They do not anticipate a change in the game's outcome but hope the refereeing commission will review the actions and take appropriate measures. Algeria's next match is against Jordan on Monday.

the complaint was filed the day after the match and within the regulatory deadlines set by FIFA.

— Algerian federation sourceClarifying the timing and procedural aspects of the complaint.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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