Why is France angry about FIFA’s referee appointment for the Morocco World Cup match

French outlet RMC Sport led the criticism, opening its coverage with the claim that “FIFA has no shame” after the governing body named Argentine referee Facundo Tello to take charge of the match, along with two Argentine assistant referees, an Argentine fourth official, and an Argentine VAR team.

Entire officiating team for France vs Morocco from Argentina

Tello is one of South America’s most experienced officials and has been a FIFA international referee since 2019. However, what has surprised many observers is that every member of the on-field and video officiating team is also from Argentina. While FIFA regularly appoints referees from neutral countries, it has often mixed nationalities among the officiating crew in high-profile matches.

Accusations of bias from French supporters

The appointment has fueled accusations of bias among some French supporters. Those concerns come just one day after Argentina’s dramatic Round of 16 victory over Egypt, a match officiated by French referee François Letexier that ended amid furious protests from the Egyptian team over several controversial decisions. Ironically, before that game, many in Argentina had also questioned FIFA’s decision to assign a French referee to officiate the defending champions.

French fans don’t want an Argentinian referee

Concerning the France vs Morocco game, for many French fans the problem is simple: the referee is Argentine. Given the fierce rivalry that has developed between Argentina and France since the 2022 World Cup final, critics argue that FIFA should have avoided appointing an Argentine crew to officiate a match involving France to eliminate any perception of a conflict of interest, even though there is no evidence the officials will favor either team.

The quarterfinal will also mark the first time Tello has officiated a senior France men’s international match.

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