Fifa suspends Egypt coach Hassan over World Cup referee criticism

Fifa has imposed suspensions on Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan and forward Mostafa Zico in the wake of their team's 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup. The Egyptian Football Association announced the disciplinary actions on Monday, citing the pair's criticism of the referee following the match.

Hassan, who is 60 years old, was banned for three matches, while Zico received a five-match suspension. Their twin brother and Egypt's national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, was also suspended for three matches. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has sought detailed grounds for the decision from Fifa's Disciplinary Committee to evaluate potential legal options and determine if they will appeal.

Zico had a goal ruled out for a foul during the build-up to what would have been a decisive goal in the match. Egypt's players later appealed for a penalty near the end of the game when the score was tied at 2-2. However, FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating, emphasizing that such allegations could incite threats against referees and their families.

The suspensions could prevent Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan from participating in Egypt's future matches against Malawi in the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying rounds in November, as well as the opening match of the March international window. Zico will be sidelined until June.