The upcoming match between France and Morocco is scheduled to feature five referees from Argentina, which has provoked a negative reaction among fans. This situation is particularly sensitive against the backdrop of Argentina's controversial victory over Egypt, which took place the day before.
Referee appointments for each match are announced one or two days before the game. The latest such decision caused bewilderment among fans, as it is extremely unusual for all five referees to belong to the same country, especially within the World Cup.
Argentina and France are major rivals on the international stage. This is because Argentina defeated France in the final of the previous tournament in 2022. Consequently, fans speculate that FIFA is pressuring Argentina to reclaim the title.
The appointment of an Argentine referee team itself is a shocking moment. However, in light of Argentina's polarizing victory over Egypt, where the score ended 3-2 after Argentina scored three goals in 12 minutes and Egypt's early goal was disallowed, this appears highly contradictory.
The referees who will officiate the game have been appointed: Facundo Tello will be the main referee. He will be assisted by Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade. Dario Herrera will take the position of the fourth referee, and Cristian Navarro will serve as the reserve assistant referee, according to FIFA.
The coach of the Egyptian national team, Hossam Hassan, stated on Tuesday that he would no longer follow the World Cup, blaming his team's painful exit from the tournament following the match against Argentina on refereeing errors.
In the last Round of 16 match against reigning champion Argentina, the Egyptians were leading 2-0 with only 11 minutes left in the game, which presented a chance for one of the big surprises at the World Cup. However, they conceded three goals in the final minutes and were eliminated from the tournament.
The team was demoralized by the impressive comeback inspired by Lionel Messi, but Hassan insisted that his team played better. During the press conference, he announced: 'I am going home and will not watch any more matches of the tournament.'
Hassan expressed dissatisfaction with the course of the game, stating: 'What happened to us was unfair. We should have received a penalty, but the goal was disallowed, and I don't know why it was disallowed.'
Egypt's goal was scored by Mostafa Zico in the 62nd minute, but VAR review showed that there was a foul by the Egyptians in the build-up to the goal. Furthermore, they demanded a penalty at the end of the match after a push on Hamdy Fathi, which intensified their anger when Argentina scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute.
Hassan emphasized that even if the goals were the result of mistakes, 'the biggest mistake is not getting what you are entitled to from those who make decisions,' adding that his press conference consisted of many complaints. He noted that he hates defeats, especially those that seem unfair, and advised fans not to be upset because they wanted to bring them joy.
Nevertheless, the coach pointed out positive aspects: 'What pleased me was that my players followed the game plan in many instances and worked excellently.'
At the start of the game, Egypt demonstrated an unexpectedly attacking style, which differed from Hassan's usual tactics based on tight defense and seeking counter-attack opportunities. This approach helped them gain an early advantage, and the heroic performance of goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubair ensured the team maintained the lead until halftime.
Hassan also expressed satisfaction with the players' efforts, noting that most of them play in the Egyptian domestic league, unlike many players from other national teams who are based in Europe in professional settings. He added that despite having predominantly local players, apart from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, they were able to compete with any team.
