Fifa suspends Egypt coach Hassan over World Cup referee criticism

Fifa has imposed suspensions on Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, and forward Mostafa Zico for criticizing the referee following their team's 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup. The Egyptian Football Association announced the decisions on Monday. Hossam Hassan, 60, was given a three-match ban for attributing his country's elimination from the tournament to refereeing errors, while Zico received a five-match ban for insulting the referee in a post-game interview.

Additionally, Hossam's twin brother and the national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, faces a three-match suspension. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has asked Fifa's Disciplinary Committee for details of the decision to evaluate potential legal actions and appeal options. Zico initially had a goal disallowed for a foul, and Egypt's players later protested a penalty during a 2-2 stalemate.

However, Fifa's chief refereeing official, Pierluigi Collina, defended the officiating, stating that such allegations could lead to threats against referees and their families. These suspensions may sideline Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan from Egypt's subsequent matches, including Africa Cup of Nations qualifier games against Malawi in November and the first international match in March. Zico will be sidelined until June.