Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has spoken out after an anti-racist gesture during the World Cup loss to Argentina

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan received a yellow card for FIFA’s anti-racism gesture during his side’s dramatic 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday.

Hassan’s exploits came during a chaotic final stage at the Atlanta Stadium, where Egypt surrendered a 2-0 lead as a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina cruised into the quarter-finals and kept alive their bid to retain their World Cup title.

Argentina vs Egypt, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS

French referee Francois Letexier ordered several Egyptian players and members of the coaching staff in full emotion. One member of Egypt’s bench was also sent off in second-half stoppage time as tempers flared after a controversial VAR decision ruled out what would have been Egypt’s second goal.

Amid the protests, Hassan stood in front of Letexier and crossed his arms to form the “X” symbol, a gesture introduced by FIFA as part of its universal anti-racism protocol. Under the guidelines, players, coaches or team officials may use the signal to alert a referee of alleged racist abuse during a match.

If confirmed, the referee can activate FIFA’s three-stage procedure, which begins with a temporary stoppage of play. If the abuse continues, the match may be interrupted and, in extreme cases, suspended.

Instead, Letexier showed Hassan a yellow card and play continued. FIFA and match officials did not immediately explain why the Egypt coach was cautioned.

The controversy added to Egypt’s frustration over a crucial VAR intervention earlier in the second half. Mostka Ziko looked set to double Egypt’s lead after combining superbly with Mohamed Salah, but the goal was overturned after Letexier reviewed the earlier incident and ruled that Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez had been fouled in the set-piece.

Ziko later scored a legitimate goal, but by then Argentina had completed their comeback. Messi equalized before Enzo Fernandez headed home a dramatic late winner to seal a 3-2 victory.

VAR’s decision sparked a furious reaction online, with some supporters accusing the officials of favoring Argentina. There is no evidence to support the claim that the match was rigged.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Egyptian football expert Ahmad Yousef questioned the consistency of the celebrations.

“At the moment there are so many inconsistencies with VAR and decisions and how far you go back to pull a decision,” Yousef said.

“The referee made a bad decision and disallowed Egypt’s second goal. It was such a long distance and the foul was so minimal, so I completely understand why the Egyptian coaches and team are so disappointed.”

Argentina will now face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals after surviving one of their biggest title defense scares.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

08 Jul 2026 08:13 IST