FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, team manager Ibrahim Hassan and midfielder Mustafa Zico in relation to comments made by the trio in the aftermath of their World Cup defeat against Argentina.
The Pharaohs were knocked out in the last 16 with a dramatic 3-2 loss against what eventually proved to be finalists – the result ended the North Africans’ historic progress to the knockout stages for the first time.
Hassan accused refereeing standards of being influenced by commercial interests that aimed to keep Messi and Argentina in the showpiece event, claiming his nation was the superior side.
Midfielder Zico went even further, labelling the World Cup a “rigged” affair and claiming the referee had “done everything against us” during the match.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has confirmed proceedings were opened by world football’s governing body and is drawing up its response. “The Egyptian federation is following the disciplinary proceedings,” the EFA said. “Necessary legal responses will be submitted by the federation on time as requested by FIFA.
“The federation stressed its full respect to FIFA laws and fair play and will defend the right of our technical staff and players at FIFA within the framework of fair play.”
FIFA has previously fined Egypt goalkeeping coach Saafan Al-Sagheer in the same match for protesting the referee’s decisions.
Further punishment may follow for the Egyptian officials and player involved in the discussions.
