The severe punishment received by the coach who waved a PLO flag at the World Cup

FIFA suspended Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan for three matches and striker Mostafa Ziko for five matches, following their behavior after the elimination against Argentina in the World Cup. Hassan, who previously waved a PLO flag, accused FIFA of commercial bias.

FIFA suspended Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan and his brother Ibrahim Hassan for three official matches, and striker Mostafa Ziko for five international matches until June 2027. The penalties were imposed following the Egyptian staff's behavior after the elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Argentina. Hassan, who had previously waved a PLO flag at the World Cup, accused FIFA of commercial and financial bias in favor of Argentina. Ziko called the tournament 'rigged' and lashed out at the referees. The suspensions harm Egypt's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi and Angola. The Egyptian Football Association is considering an appeal. The article describes the Egyptian conduct as 'cheap provocations' and a 'campaign of whining.'