Algeria complain to FIFA over refereeing in 3-0 defeat to Argentina

Algeria have formally lodged a complaint with FIFA’s refereeing commission over alleged poor officiating during their 3-0 World Cup defeat to Argentina earlier this week, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday (June 19).

In a letter submitted to FIFA, Algeria highlighted several contentious incidents from the Group J clash, particularly an early first-half challenge involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Algeria defender Aissa Mandi.

The complaint alleges Messi stepped on Mandi’s calf with a raised boot from behind, an incident for which no disciplinary action was taken.

Algerian supporters had called for a red card at the time, but the match officials allowed play to continue, with Messi later going on to score a hat-trick.

The North African side also raised concerns over a second-half incident involving Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who was accused of an elbow challenge on Ibrahim Maza.

Referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, was reportedly close to the incident, while VAR officials, led by Tomasz Kwiatkowski, are also being questioned in the complaint.

The alleged decisions have sparked wider debate on social media, with fans questioning whether player reputation influenced officiating outcomes.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos also referenced the controversy when comparing disciplinary action in the tournament, arguing that punishments have been inconsistent.

Argentina are scheduled to face Austria in Dallas on Monday, while Algeria will take on Jordan in San Francisco in their next group match.