Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian National Team Director Ibrahim Hassan launched a blistering attack against FIFA following the team’s controversial three-two elimination match against Argentina. Speaking on MBC Masr, Hassan explicitly accused international football authorities of premeditated corruption, stating that the match officials broke the joy of the Egyptian people under a predetermined decision.
He explained that the playing squad and the technical staff feel immense bitterness because the systemic injustice was evident from the very first minute of the game. Hassan maintained that if anyone reviews the video footage, they will see blatant refereeing errors that actively destroyed Egypt’s legitimate tournament ambitions.
Furious Director Highlights Documented Video Evidence of Official Misconduct and Bias
The national team director revealed the existence of shocking video clips and photographs circulating online that show top FIFA administrators celebrating Argentina’s goals. He detailed how one senior executive wearing an official suit openly rejoiced near the referee inspectors before quickly trying to hide his actions.
Hassan questioned the global governing body’s highly publicized principles of fair play, describing the tournament management as a system designed to crush developing nations. He noted that FIFA clearly knows in advance which prominent commercial teams it wants to grant an unfair advantage to on the global stage.
Technical Staff Faced Continuous Threats and Cards for Challenging Double Standards
The Egyptian coaching bench repeatedly attempted to protest the biased field decisions but faced immediate threats and intimidation from the fourth official. The match referee distributed multiple yellow cards to shackle the Pharaonic squad, eventually sending off goalkeeping coach Saafan El-Sagheer and cautioning manager Hossam Hassan.
Hassan detailed several specific instances of corruption on the pitch, including a clear denied penalty for Hamdi Fathi, who had his shirt aggressively pulled inside the box. He also slammed the decision to disallow a legitimate Egyptian goal after an Argentine defender intentionally feigned an injury to deceive the referee.
Controversial Commentary Targets Player Awards Models as African Inaction Continues
The director sparked further media controversy by openly mocking the distribution of the post-match individual player of the game accolades. He questioned how such prestigious international awards could be granted to an athlete playing in an obscure league that practically nobody watches.
He concluded his address by clarifying that his profound anger stems from a deep love for his country and the millions of passionate fans who deserved an honest sporting competition. Hassan stated that African and Asian nations remain entirely powerless against the institutional bias embedded within the modern international football infrastructure.
