Egyptian Football Federation Files Appeal with FIFA Against Sanctions on Hossam, Ibrahim Hassan, and Zico

The Egyptian Football Association has submitted a request to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for the detailed reasons and grounds behind the decisions imposing sanctions that include a three-match ban for Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan and team manager Ibrahim Hassan, as well as a five-match ban for player Mostafa Abdel Raouf (Zico).

In a statement accompanying an urgent appeal filed with FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, the Egyptian FA stated that it is seeking the detailed reasoning behind the rulings to study and assess the legal situation, and to take further appeal steps in accordance with applicable regulations.

FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the trio last August following comments made after Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup. The three individuals criticized the match referee, accusing him of deliberately causing Egypt’s loss.

The sanctions come in the wake of incidents surrounding the match, which saw Egypt eliminated from the World Cup amid protests over refereeing decisions. According to the announced penalties, Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan will miss Egypt’s next three matches against Malawi and Angola in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Mostafa Abdel Raouf (Zico) will miss Egypt’s remaining four qualifier matches, plus one additional match, as a result of his suspension.

The Egyptian FA is awaiting the full details of the decisions before determining its next legal steps, while maintaining its commitment to studying the possibility of appealing the sanctions imposed on the head coach, the team manager, and the player.