FIFA Hits Egypt Hard: Three-Match Bans for Hassan Twins, Five for Zico
The Egyptian Football Association has received FIFA's disciplinary rulings: three-match bans for Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan and a five-match ban for Mostafa Zico, over their comments about the referee after Egypt's World Cup loss to Argentina.
The Egyptian Football Association announced on Monday that it has received FIFA Disciplinary Committee rulings against Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, team director Ibrahim Hassan and forward Mostafa Zico, following the fallout from the World Cup round-of-16 clash with Argentina.
The Sanctions
Twin brothers Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan have each been banned for three matches, while Zico received the heaviest penalty with a five-match suspension. The bans relate to comments FIFA deemed offensive towards the officiating after Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina.
What Happened Against Argentina
The Pharaohs had led by two goals in the July 7 encounter before Argentina turned the game around in the closing minutes. A Zico goal was also ruled out after a VAR review, a decision that enraged Egypt's bench. After the final whistle, all three openly accused the referee, with Zico saying: "The referee was not fair. From the start of the game, he wanted Argentina to win at our expense."
FIFA opened proceedings in August and asked the Egyptian federation for official explanations before issuing its final decision.
Key Absences for 2027 AFCON Qualifying
As a result, the Hassan twins will miss Egypt's next three 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including the games against Malawi and Angola. Zico will sit out the remaining four qualifiers plus one further match.
Federation Moves to Appeal
The Egyptian FA said it has lodged an urgent complaint with the Disciplinary Committee and requested the full grounds behind the rulings, so it can assess its legal position and pursue an appeal under the applicable regulations.
Key Facts
- Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan banned for three matches each.
- Mostafa Zico banned for five matches.
- Reason: comments against the referee after the 3-2 World Cup round-of-16 loss to Argentina.
- The Hassan twins will miss the qualifiers against Malawi and Angola.
- The Egyptian FA has requested the full grounds and plans to appeal.
