Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has claimed his side was the victim of a “manipulated match” in their World Cup clash against Argentina, alleging unfair treatment and external influences favoured the defending champions.
Speaking candidly after the game, Hassan said he would speak his mind “regardless of the consequences.”
“This was clearly a manipulated match, the whole world saw it,” he stated. “And I want to say something else, if they want Argentina to win so badly, then why invite everyone to come and take part?”
The veteran coach insisted Egypt were the superior team on the day but fell victim to injustice. “We were treated unfairly and subjected to injustice. The result was influenced by internal and external factors,” he added.
Hassan suggested commercial interests may have played a role. “We were the better team, but football is not fair. Maybe they wanted the world champions and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing purposes,” he said.
His remarks are likely to spark debate over officiating and fairness in the tournament. Egypt’s campaign ended with the defeat, while Argentina advanced further.
