Egyptian striker Mostafa Ziko fuels World Cup fixing claims, sparks petition to bar Argentina

Egyptian forward Mostafa Ziko accused the World Cup of being fixed after his team’s 3‑2 loss to Argentina in the round of 16, saying the referee was biased and that "the tournament is set up". Days later he told Saudi TV that Lionel Messi is the greatest player after Cristiano Ronaldo, but added he did not feel Messi’s presence on the field during the match.

An online petition calling for Argentina’s removal from the tournament has gathered over 2.5 million signatures, alleging referee favoritism and FIFA bias favoring the Argentine side. The petition cites controversial decisions in the Egypt‑Argentina game, including a disallowed Egyptian goal and a non‑called foul, and also points to perceived advantages in the knockout draw. Tournament organizers have not responded to the petition or the accusations.

The controversy has spread across social media, with Ziko’s statements and the petition drawing attention in several countries.