FIFA has suspended Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan for three matches following his criticism of the referee after Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina at the World Cup.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced the disciplinary decisions on Monday, confirming that team manager Ibrahim Hassan, the coach’s twin brother, had also received a three-match suspension. Forward Mostafa Zico was handed a five-match ban.
Hossam was sanctioned for blaming refereeing decisions for Egypt’s elimination from the tournament in the last 16, while Zico was punished for insulting the referee during a post-match interview.
The EFA said it would examine the legal grounds for the sanctions before deciding how to challenge the decisions.
The controversy followed several disputed incidents during Egypt’s defeat, including a disallowed goal by Zico and a late penalty appeal when the score was 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 affect Egypt’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Malawi in November, as well as a match during the March international window, depending on how the sanctions are applied.
Zico’s five-match ban could keep him out of international action until June.
The EFA is expected to seek further clarification from FIFA as it considers its response to the disciplinary decisions.
