FIFA bans Egypt coach and striker after World Cup referee criticism

After Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup last-16, FIFA imposed disciplinary sanctions on several Egyptian officials. Coach Hossam Hassan was suspended for three matches, and forward Mostafa Zico received a five-match ban for criticizing the referee, with Zico using offensive language in his interview. The Egyptian Football Association also reported that Ibrahim Hassan, the national team director and Hossam's twin, was handed a three-match suspension.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee justified the penalties by warning that such accusations could endanger referees and their families. The Egyptian FA has asked for detailed reasons for the sanctions and is considering an appeal. The bans could see Hossam and Ibrahim miss Egypt's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Malawi and the first game of the March international window, while Zico will be unavailable until June.