Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Accuses FIFA of Bias After Argentina Match

Controversial Match Sparks Outrage

Following the contentious match between Egypt and Argentina, coach Hossam Hassan expressed strong opinions, suggesting that FIFA aimed to keep Lionel Messi in the tournament, implying that external influences affected the game's outcome. Egypt faced several contentious calls during the match, which saw Argentina stage a comeback for a stunning victory, leading to anger among the Egyptian team and their supporters, who claimed the World Cup was manipulated to benefit the defending champions. Hassan received a yellow card for performing FIFA's anti-racism gesture in protest after the match. Earlier, he had celebrated Egypt's victory over Australia in the Round of 32 by waving a Palestinian flag, which drew criticism.

Hossam Hassan's History of Controversies

Hossam Hassan's Long List Of Controversies

This latest incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding Hossam Hassan. Earlier this year, he made similar claims after Egypt's exit from the African Cup of Nations, where they lost 1-0 to Senegal. He criticized the tournament organizers for creating unfavorable conditions for Egypt, particularly regarding match scheduling. Following their victory over Ivory Coast, Egypt had to travel 490 miles for the semi-finals, while Senegal enjoyed an extra day of rest, prompting Hassan to express his frustration. “Egypt does not need excuses and apologies,” he stated. “We just needed fairness like Senegal. It’s surprising how FIFA handled our situation.”

Legal Troubles and Past Incidents

When Hossam Hassan Faced Trial For Assaulting A Photographer

Hassan's controversies extend beyond football. In 2016, he faced legal issues after allegedly assaulting a government photographer following a match between Al Masry and Ghazl El Mahalla. The altercation occurred after a brawl among players, leading Hassan to chase and attack the photographer. This incident resulted in a trial for assaulting a public official, and he received a three-match suspension along with a fine from the local federation. Additionally, during his playing days at Zamalek SC, he was involved in a violent incident during a friendly match in Beirut, which required security intervention.

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