Over 9.8 million sign petition to expel Argentina from World Cup

More than 9.8 million people have signed an online petition demanding that defending champions Argentina be expelled from the ongoing World Cup over allegations of receiving unfair advantages through match officials and referees.

The petition, hosted on a website named 'argentinaout.com', alleges that FIFA and match officials have shown clear favouritism towards Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi throughout the tournament. "If the winner is already predetermined, why should other teams compete? Expel Argentina from the World Cup and give everyone a fair chance," the petition reads.

The controversy stems largely from Argentina's Round of 16 match against Egypt. After trailing 2-0 and Messi missing a penalty, Argentina staged a dramatic comeback with three goals in the final 13 minutes. However, Egypt's camp was furious, alleging that while one of their goals was disallowed through VAR, a foul on Mohamed Salah before Argentina's winning goal was not reviewed.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan directly criticised FIFA, saying, "This is a fixed match. If Argentina must win, why bring other teams to the World Cup? FIFA only wants to keep Messi in the tournament."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed all allegations, stating that in the modern era of VAR technology, it is virtually impossible for any specific team to receive deliberate favouritism from referees or FIFA. Drawing from history, Scaloni added that similar criticism was levelled against Argentina in 1986, calling such talk nothing new.