Egypt coach Hossam Hassan handed three-match Fifa ban after World Cup criticism

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has been suspended for three matches by Fifa after criticising the referee following his side’s 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the World Cup, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Monday.

Egypt forward Mostafa Zico has received a five-match ban, while Hossam Hassan’s twin brother, national team director Ibrahim Hassan, has also been suspended for three matches.

Hossam Hassan, 60, was punished for blaming refereeing decisions for Egypt’s elimination in the last 16. Zico was sanctioned after insulting the referee during a post-match interview.

“The decisions include the suspension of Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan for three matches each, while Zico has been suspended for five matches,” the EFA said in a statement.

The football association said it had asked Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee to provide the full reasons for its decisions. It will use those details to consider its legal options, including whether to appeal against the suspensions.

Zico had an effort disallowed after a foul was judged to have occurred during the build-up. Egypt also appealed for a penalty late in the match, when the score was 2-2, before Argentina went on to win 3-2.

Fifa refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officials’ performance in the match. He said allegations against referees could lead to threats being made against them and their families.

The bans may prevent both Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan from taking part in Egypt’s next matches against Malawi in the following rounds of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying in November.

They could also be unavailable for Egypt’s first fixture during the March international window. Zico’s five-match suspension means he will not be eligible to play until June.