Algerian Football Federation Submits Protest to FIFA
The Algerian Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the officiating in their match against Argentina, which ended in a 0-3 defeat. The federation highlighted two specific incidents that they believe were overlooked by referee Szymon Marciniak and the VAR system.
The first controversial moment occurred in the 32nd minute when Lionel Messi stepped on the calf muscle of defender Aissa Mandi with his studs. The referee did not issue a yellow card to Messi, but the complaint argues that the nature of the foul warranted a straight red card. The second incident happened in the 74th minute when Alexis Mac Allister struck Ibrahim Maza in the face with his elbow. Referee Marciniak did not call a foul, and VAR did not review the play.
Upcoming Matches and New Rule Enforcement
The match result stands, giving Argentina three points and first place in Group J, while Algeria suffered their first loss of the tournament. Algeria's next match is scheduled for June 23 at 6:00 AM against Jordan, while Argentina will face Austria on June 22 at 8:00 PM Kyiv time.
Separately, Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player sent off under the new rule regarding covering the mouth. The incident occurred during first-half stoppage time in the Paraguay vs. Turkey match, when Almirón covered his mouth with his hand during a verbal exchange with Turkish defender Mert Müldür. Head referee Iván Barton received a signal from VAR to review the play, and after checking, he sent off the 32-year-old player.
The Algerian federation's complaint to FIFA highlights growing tensions around refereeing in international competitions, especially with modern technologies meant to improve decision-making accuracy. This could affect upcoming group stage matches, as Algeria looks to recover their position in the group while Argentina aims to build on their success. Almirón's expulsion under the new rule also underscores the importance of adhering to football's latest regulations, which can significantly impact match outcomes.
The ongoing controversies surrounding refereeing decisions in international football have been further highlighted by the recent incident involving Paraguay's Miguel Almirón, who was sent off for covering his mouth during a match. This incident raises questions about the enforcement of new regulations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, similar to those that Algeria is now contesting with FIFA. For more details on this notable disciplinary action, see how it unfolds in the case of Paraguay's star player.