FIFA has expelled Mateu Lohaz, the refree of the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands who handed 15 yellow cards.
In the 90 minutes of play, Lohaz issued an astounding 13 yellow cards, and three more were issued in the extra period up until the penalty shootout, which saw Argentina upset Netherlands 4-3 and advance to the semifinals against Croatia.
Both teams did not think well of the referee’s performance, with Argentina’s captain and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi leading the charge against Lahoz.
Messi said, “I don’t want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened.
“I think FIFA must take care of this, it cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task.”
Lahoz won’t be working as a referee in the World Cup final or semifinals as a result.
On Tuesday (today), Argentina plays Croatia, and on Wednesday, Morocco takes on the reigning winners France.
The World Cup final, which will take place on Sunday, December 18, 2022, will feature the winners.
