The Algerian Football Federation formally protested decisions by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak during a 3-0 defeat, citing Lionel Messi's uncarded tackle and another incident.
6:31 AM
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has filed a formal complaint with FIFA regarding refereeing decisions in their 3-0 World Cup opening match loss to Argentina, according to multiple reports Friday.
The complaint centers on two specific incidents during the match that the FAF believes should have resulted in disciplinary action. The first involves a tackle by Lionel Messi in the 30th minute against Algeria captain Aïssa Mandi. According to sources, Messi caught Mandi on his right calf and Achilles tendon with his studs up. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak did not sanction Messi for the challenge, which occurred between his first and second goals in the match.
The FAF's formal communication to FIFA expressed concern that Messi received no disciplinary sanction—neither a yellow card nor a red card—for the tackle. The federation stated the incident warranted a "disciplinary sanction" according to their assessment.
The second incident cited in the complaint involves midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The FAF contends that Mac Allister's infraction was not adequately sanctioned by the referee, though details of that specific challenge remain limited in available reports.
Argentina's Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the match, with the Inter Miami forward netting three goals in the victory. The match took place during the opening round of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Marciniak, a Polish official, is regarded as one of Europe's top referees and was selected to officiate the high-profile fixture. The FAF's decision to lodge a formal protest signals the federation's view that the refereeing performance materially affected the outcome of the match.
The complaint was first reported by Algerian sports outlet Compétition, which cited official sources within the FAF. The matter was subsequently covered by international media outlets including French publication L'Equipe and The New York Times' Athletic section.
Iran's football federation says it will file a formal complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions affecting the team's movement between its Mexico base camp and U.S. match venues.
Omar Artan denied U.S. entry over alleged terror links will receive complete tournament compensation from FIFA.
Omar Artan, denied U.S. entry for the World Cup, has been appointed to referee the August 12 Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.
Iran's ticket quota for supporters was withdrawn just before the tournament begins Thursday, leaving fans unable to attend matches in North America.
Argentina forward left the pitch in the 73rd minute with a leg complaint during Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union before the World Cup.
Iranian football federation representatives were turned back by Canadian authorities ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver this week, raising questions about their World Cup participation.