Mohamed Salah has spoken out on social media after Egypt's controversial defeat to Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt led 2-0 with 15 minutes of the last 16 tie remaining, but three late goals from the reigning champions meant the Pharaohs were eliminated from the competition.
Egypt's players and staff were absolutely incensed after Enzo Fernandez's stoppage-time winner. They thought that the goal should have been disallowed and a penalty given in their favour after Salah went down inside Argentina's box half-a-minute prior. Egypt also had a goal controversially ruled out earlier in the match.
Striker Mostafa Ziko said the match was 'rigged' in his post-match interview. Manager Hossam Hassan echoed those thoughts and said he will refuse to watch the rest of the match in protest.
Egypt have since filed a complaint to FIFA and expressed their satisfaction with the officials in an eye-opening statement.
Mohamed Salah in action at the 2026 World CupREUTERS/Paul Childs
Salah showed true class following the final whistle. When some of his teammates were making their anger known to the referee, Salah pulled them away and shook the officials' hands.
The Liverpool legend did not address the controversy after the match. Salah has now taken to social media to sum up his thoughts after the Egyptian squad returned home to a hero's welcome. Writing on X, he said:
"I know you're still upset, but I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to ensure this marks a fresh start for Egyptian football on the international stage. Qualifying for the World Cup won't be enough, and just participating won't cut it either. This team deserves your trust."
Despite their tournament not ending the way they would have wanted, Egypt's campaign can still be considered a success.
Their victory against New Zealand in the group stage was their first ever victory at the World Cup. They also managed to get out of their group and win a knockout match at the tournament for the first time in their history.
Salah is highly unlikely to feature at the 2030 World Cup given he will be 38 years old. However, even if he isn't playing, it seems like he's determined to be involved and build on his nation's success.
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FIFA Referee Chief Pierluigi Collina Defends Officials Amid Rigged ClaimsFIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina
FIFA's referees' chief Pierluigi Collina, meanwhile, has defended the officials amid Egypt's criticism.
He said: "Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport," he said.
"Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.
"Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president."
On the decision to disallow Egypt's goal for a foul on Lisandro Martinez, and the decision to allow Fernandez's winner, he added: "We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious,' if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.
"Equally, if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly.
"Stepping on an opponent's foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul. Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game.
"The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt no. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina no. 10 Julian Alvarez."