FIFA Sanctions Egypt for Criticizing Refereeing in 2026 World Cup

Hossam Hassan and Mostafa Zico received suspensions following their statements and gestures in the match against Argentina in the round of 16.

Sanctions for Criticizing the Refereeing

FIFA imposed sanctions on Hossam Hassan, Mostafa Zico, and Ibrahim Hassan for their comments after the defeat against Argentina. Hassan received a three-match suspension, Zico five, and his twin brother three. The measures stemmed from the events during and after the match in Atlanta, where Argentina came back from 0-2 down to win 3-2.

Controversial Statements

Hossam Hassan hinted at unfair treatment and possible interests behind keeping Argentina in the tournament. Zico even went as far as claiming that the tournament was rigged, accusing the referee of harming Egypt. FIFA also took issue with confrontational gestures towards the French referee, François Letexier.

Impact of the Sanctions

The suspensions mean that Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan will miss crucial matches. Zico will not be able to return to the team until June 2027. The Egyptian Football Association is considering filing an appeal after requesting the grounds for the ruling.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sanciones FIFA a Egipto por críticas al arbitraje en Mundial 2026