FIFA punishes Egypt for comments after World Cup loss to Argentina

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and striker Mostafa Ziko suspended for three and five matches respectively after criticizing referee François Letexier following their World Cup loss to Argentina.

FIFA has suspended Egypt coach Hossam Hassan for three matches and striker Mostafa Ziko for five matches following their public criticism of referee François Letexier after Egypt's 3-2 World Cup knockout loss to Argentina. Hassan accused the referee of bias, claiming the match was "fixed", while Ziko alleged unfair officiating in a post-match interview. Egypt's staff member Ibrahim Hassan, the coach's twin brother, was also banned for three matches. The suspensions will affect Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations matches through March 2027, with Ziko ineligible until June 2025.