FIFA reviews referee after Argentina-Egypt World Cup controversy

ZURICH: FIFA has launched a review of French referee François Letexier’s performance following the controversial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between Argentina and Egypt, after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) lodged an official complaint over several key decisions.

The dramatic encounter ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Argentina, despite Egypt taking a commanding 2-0 lead earlier in the match. Argentina staged a remarkable late comeback, but the result has since been overshadowed by allegations of questionable officiating.

According to international media reports, the Egyptian Football Association has formally asked FIFA to investigate Letexier and his officiating team, claiming that several controversial decisions significantly influenced the outcome of the match.

Among Egypt’s main concerns is the disallowing of one of its goals following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The federation also argued that a penalty appeal in Egypt’s favor was overlooked shortly before Argentina scored the decisive winning goal.

The complaint was submitted by Hany Abo Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, who urged FIFA to examine the refereeing decisions and remove the officials from the remainder of the tournament if any errors are confirmed.

Sources familiar with FIFA’s refereeing procedures said the governing body’s Refereeing Department will now review the complete match report, referee assessments, and all controversial video footage before deciding whether Letexier will continue officiating during the World Cup.

However, under FIFA regulations, individual member associations do not have the authority to veto or influence referee appointments. Those decisions remain exclusively under the jurisdiction of FIFA’s Referees Committee, which independently evaluates officials based on their performances throughout the competition.

Refereeing controversies have frequently surfaced during previous FIFA World Cups, particularly since the introduction of VAR. While teams have often questioned officiating decisions, it remains rare for a referee to be removed from a tournament solely because of a complaint filed by a participating nation.

The Argentina-Egypt clash has quickly become one of the most debated matches of the tournament, with football fans and analysts divided over the key moments that shaped the outcome.

FIFA has not yet announced when the review will be completed, but its findings could determine whether Letexier is assigned to further knockout-stage matches.

The case has once again reignited global debate over the consistency of VAR decisions and the pressure facing match officials during football’s biggest tournament, where a single decision can dramatically alter a nation’s World Cup dream.