FIFA Bans Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan and Forward Ziko Over Referee Criticism

Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan suspended as FIFA punishes Egypt

FIFA has suspended Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, team director Ibrahim Hassan and forward Mostafa Ziko for criticising the referee after the 3-2 World Cup defeat to Argentina, a decision the Egyptian FA says it may appeal.

Collina defends referee as FIFA suspends Egypt trio for Argentina outburst...

 

FIFA has banned Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan for three games and forward Mostafa Ziko for five, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed on Monday.

The sanctions relate to comments made about the referee after Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16.

The 60-year-old Hassan had blamed officiating mistakes for his side’s elimination from the tournament, while Ziko insulted the referee during a post-match interview.

National team director Ibrahim Hassan, Hossam’s twin brother, has also received a three-match suspension.

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

The association said it has asked FIFA's Disciplinary Committee for the full written reasons behind the ruling to review its legal options and decide on a possible appeal.

اتحاد الكرة يتلقى قرارات "انضباط" فيفا بشأن حسام وإبراهيم حسن وزيكو 🔴📝 تلقى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم قرارات لجنة الانضباط بالاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) بشأن حسام حسن، المدير الفني للمنتخب الوطني، وإبراهيم حسن، مدير المنتخب، واللاعب مصطفى زيكو، والتي تضمنت إيقاف حسام وإبراهيم حسن ثلاث مباريات لكل منهما، وإيقاف زيكو خمس مباريات. وقد تقدم الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم إلى لجنة الانضباط بالاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، بطلب الحصول على الأسباب والحيثيات التفصيلية للقرارات الصادرة، وذلك لدراستها وتقييم الموقف القانوني، تمهيدًا لاتخاذ إجراءات الاستئناف وفقًا للوائح المعمول بها.

— EFA.eg (@EFA) October 19, 2026

Ziko saw a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up, before Egypt's players appealed for a penalty late on with the score level at 2-2.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has defended the officiating, warning that such allegations risk triggering threats against referees and their families.

The bans could see Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan miss Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi in November and the opening game of the March international window. Ziko will be sidelined until June.