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The controversy surrounding Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly claimed that Egypt were “robbed” in the match.

His remarks came a day after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) lodged an official complaint with FIFA over what it described as questionable refereeing decisions and the misuse of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system during Tuesday’s match, officiated by French referee François Letexier.

The most controversial moment came in the second half when Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko found the net with what appeared to be a legitimate goal. However, following a VAR review, the referee disallowed the goal, citing a foul that allegedly occurred around 20 seconds before the strike. Argentina later staged a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Mayor Raises World Cup Controversy During Transport Event

Speaking at the launch of a new rapid bus service initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion in New York on Wednesday, Mayor Mamdani unexpectedly referenced the World Cup controversy while highlighting the value of saving commuters’ time.

He said the improved bus service would save passengers the equivalent of at least two days each year, allowing them to spend more time with their families and friends.

He then added, “It means you’ll have time to agree with your friends that Egypt were wronged yesterday, that Egypt were robbed. Above all, it means giving New Yorkers back the precious time they simply don’t have enough of.”

EFA Files Official Complaint with FIFA

Within hours of the match, the Egyptian Football Association submitted an official complaint to FIFA, expressing strong dissatisfaction with referee François Letexier and the use of VAR.

In a statement posted on social media, the EFA said: “The Egyptian Football Association cannot remain silent regarding the refereeing performance and the flawed use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system during the match against Argentina.”

The association also claimed that football analysts and experts from around the world had questioned several key decisions, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of one of football’s biggest tournaments.

Meanwhile, an unnamed Egyptian international told sports outlet The Athletic that he believes the tournament is “fixed.” He alleged that Argentina exerted significant pressure on the referee, leading to the cancellation of Egypt’s penalty appeal and the disallowing of what he described as a legitimate goal.

As of now, neither FIFA nor the match officials have issued an official response to the allegations.

Source: Yahoo Sports