After Egypt’s dramatic exit from the World Cup, manager Hossam Hassan has issued an explosive statement calling out bias from FIFA towards Argentina.
It was a tough result to take. Egypt held a two-goal lead for most of the game, but three late goals from the world champions dealt their World Cup hopes a fatal blow.
His team had a goal ruled out earlier in the tie for a foul in the buildup, and Mohamed Salah was protesting a foul in the Argentina box before Argentina grabbed the winner.
All that has led Hassan to one conclusion — the referees were against Egypt.
Tempers flared when Enzo Fernandez’s winner hit the back of the net. One member of Egypt’s staff was shown red for his reaction, while two players were put into the book as well.
When asked for his thoughts on the match, Hassan was incredibly blunt.
He said: “They didn’t give us our goal. They didn’t give us our penalty. FIFA doesn’t want Messi to be eliminated. That’s why Argentina had the referee’s support from the start of the match.
“I’ll say what I think, regardless of the consequences. This has clearly been rigged, and everyone has seen it. If they want them to win so badly, why are they inviting everyone to participate in the World Cup?”
Some heavy accusations from the Egypt boss. There were some gray-area calls, sure. But that’s every game. He has a different view though.
He continued: “There seems to have been pressure from the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome.
“The referee is unfair, God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs. He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards Argentina.”
For Egypt, it marks a sour end to a historic World Cup run. They will be back stronger.
