After ‘gross mistakes’… Egyptian emergency action against Argentina match referee

Egyptian media have revealed that the Egyptian Football Association has lodged an official complaint with the International Football Federation (FIFA) against French referee Francois Lettxer, who officiated the 2026 World Cup Argentina match.

The match between Egypt and Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday witnessed widespread refereeing controversy after a goal for the Pharaohs was disallowed and another awarded to Argentina despite doubts about the penalty awarded to Mohamed Salah.

After taking the lead with two unanswered goals, the Egyptian team lost its historic ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, losing 3-2 to the reigning champions.

Egyptian journalist Ahmed Abdel Basset confirmed on his Facebook account that the Egyptian Football Association has requested FIFA to investigate the French referee and the video assistant technology team and expel him from the World Cup officially and as a matter of urgency.

“Federation president Hani Abu Rida has lodged a complaint with FIFA following serious refereeing errors and double standards by refereeing staff.”

According to the same source, Abu Rida has called for an investigation into the video technology refereeing team over alleged blunders and omissions of some footage.

Abu Raida also demanded that the referee and the entire staff be suspended from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian team and causing them to lose the game and exit the tournament.