World Cup 2026

Egyptian FA: “They won’t keep us quiet”

The EFA (Egyptian FA) have issued a statement attacking the officiating suffered in the game against Argentina.

DALE ZANINE
Dallas. Update:

The Egyptian federation have issued a statement confirming its displeasure with the refereeing suffered against Argentina in the round of 16, which it has also communicated to FIFA through an official complaint. The note speaks of “frustration,” adding that they “will not remain silent,” and highlights “a lack of respect, justice and equal treatment toward its players.”

“The Egyptian Football Association extends its sincere gratitude to Egyptians around the world for their unwavering support, loyalty and belief in the national team throughout our journey at the FIFA World Cup. The exceptional support shown by millions of Egyptians, both at home and abroad, was a source of immense pride and motivation for our players and delegation. The national team represented Egypt with honor, determination and courage, delivering performances that reflected the spirit and character of our nation,” it begins.

But it immediately goes on the attack regarding what happened on the field: “At the same time, the Egyptian Football Association cannot remain silent about the refereeing decisions witnessed during the match against Argentina, as well as the improper use of the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of the decisions that directly influenced the course of the game.”

NATHAN RAY SEEBECK

“Several football experts and specialist analysts, both locally and internationally, have highlighted controversial and influential refereeing incidents during the match. This underscores the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness and transparency in match officiating, particularly in a competition of the stature and significance of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” it continues.

“What occurred during the match has understandably generated widespread frustration among our players...”

Federación egípcia

At one point, it denounces the preferential treatment given to Argentina compared with them: “Egyptian football has always respected the principles of fair play, sporting integrity and respect for the game. These same principles require that all teams compete on equal terms and receive equal treatment. What occurred during the match has understandably generated widespread frustration among our players, staff and supporters, who expected the highest standards of officiating on football’s biggest stage.”

And it concludes: “Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not a matter that can be ignored, minimized or treated as secondary. It is a responsibility we carry with full conviction and determination. Every player who wears the Egyptian shirt, and every fan who supports the team, deserves justice, respect and equal application of the laws of the game.”

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