FIFA has handed Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan a three-match suspension and forward Mostafa Zico a five-game ban following their criticism of the referee after Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina at the World Cup.
According to Reuters, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced the sanctions on Monday, revealing that Egypt’s national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, Hossam’s twin brother, had also been suspended for three matches.
Hossam was sanctioned for blaming refereeing errors for Egypt’s elimination from the tournament in the round of 16, while Zico received a five-match ban for insulting the referee during a post-match interview.
In a statement, the EFA confirmed the disciplinary measures and disclosed that it had requested the detailed reasons for the sanctions from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to evaluate its legal options and consider a possible appeal.
The dispute stemmed from controversial decisions during Egypt’s loss to Argentina. Zico had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up, while Egypt’s players later appealed for a penalty when the score was tied at 2-2.
However, FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officials, warning that allegations against referees could expose them and their families to threats.
The suspensions could disrupt Egypt’s preparations for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Malawi in November. Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan could miss those matches as well as the opening fixture of the March international window.
Meanwhile, Zico’s five-match suspension could keep him out of action for Egypt until June.