Egypt asks FIFA to ban referee from World Cup after loss to Argentina

Egypt's Football Federation has formally requested FIFA to disqualify referee François Letexier from officiating any further matches in the 2026 World Cup. The federation cited "flagrant refereeing errors" during Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 16.

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flagrant refereeing errors

In a statement, the federation, through its president Hany About Rida, called for an investigation into Letexier and his officiating team. They alleged a "double standard" that led to Egypt's defeat. The federation specifically requested that the central referee, his assistants, and the VAR officials be barred from future matches, pending an investigation into the alleged errors and a confirmed "act of discrimination against Egypt."

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double standard, which led to the defeat of the Egyptian national team

The Egyptian side particularly lamented the referee's "stubborn refusal" to review certain actions. They believe these reviews would have resulted in a valid goal and a penalty for Egypt. The referee had disallowed an Egyptian goal early in the second half after a VAR review for a foul at the start of the play. Egypt also felt they should have been awarded a penalty in added time for a shirt pull on Hamdy Fathy and for contact between Julián Álvarez and Mohamed Salah in the Argentine box just before the third goal.

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stubborn refusal to review certain actions

Following the match, Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, expressed disappointment with the officiating, calling it "neither fair nor equitable." He suggested that pressure from the Argentine team may have influenced the referee's decisions, leading to the outcome.

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valid goal and a penalty