FIFA sidelines referee Marciniak after World Cup controversy

The Egyptian Football Federation lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after the 1/8‑final match against Argentina, alleging biased officiating and claiming a senior FIFA official celebrated the Argentine goal on video. The federation said the refereeing decisions, including the non‑award of a penalty, amounted to “injustice and corruption.”

In a separate development, FIFA announced that Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will not be assigned any further knockout‑stage matches at the tournament. The decision follows complaints from Algeria and Iran over his calls, notably the VAR‑overturned Iranian goal that could have secured their progression. Marciniak’s exclusion applies to the round of 16 and quarter‑finals, with new officials appointed for upcoming fixtures.