EGYPT COACH ACCUSES FIFA OF BIAS AFTER ARGENTINA LOSS

Hossam Hassan, Egypt's manager, stated after his team's 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup last 16 that life is unfair. Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina scored three goals in 13 minutes to advance. Hassan accused FIFA of wanting Argentina to remain in the tournament, claiming his team was wrongly denied a goal following a VAR check for a foul more than 100 yards away, and that Egypt should have been awarded a penalty before Argentina's third goal.

The defeat prompted widespread allegations of corruption among Egyptian supporters. French referee François Letexier faced intense scrutiny globally, with some restaurants and cafes announcing they would refuse him service. Hassan's Wikipedia page was altered to include false information. Some supporters online promoted theories attributing Egypt's loss to factors unrelated to match events, including conspiracy theories involving geopolitical claims.

Hassan told Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports that FIFA may have acted to keep the defending world champions in the competition and to keep Lionel Messi in the running. As Argentina progressed further in the tournament, conspiracy allegations continued to circulate among online communities. Separately, media reports indicated that Argentina's football federation and its president faced investigation by the FBI regarding alleged money laundering, though no connection to the Egypt match was established.