World Cup Referees Accused of Favoring Argentina Against Switzerland

The World Cup referee overseeing Lionel Messi and Argentina's victory to set up a semi-final against England faced accusations of bias against Switzerland. Following Argentina's 3-1 win in extra-time, Switzerland's players and manager expressed their discontent over what they deemed unfair officiating. Striker Breel Embolo was controversially sent off for a second yellow card after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, which determined he had dived rather than being fouled by Argentina’s Leandro Paredes.

This incident occurred with the match level at 72 minutes. Under a new World Cup rule, a player booked or sent off for a foul committed by an opponent can have the decision reversed. Switzerland's players were vocal about their anger, with defender Manuel Akanji stating, "Every little thing was called against us," noting, "I've never experienced such a one-sided game." Coach Murat Yakin described the refereeing as "incomprehensible."

The fallout from the match contributed to ongoing conspiracy theories suggesting FIFA is favoring Messi and Argentina to advance and secure the championship at MetLife Stadium next Sunday. Egypt, who lost to Argentina previously, called for a FIFA investigation, with winger Mostafa Ziko claiming, "This tournament has been fixed," and coach Hossam Hassan declaring, "This match was rigged, and the whole world saw it."

FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina defended the integrity of the officiating, asserting that "nobody can question" it and that "unfounded allegations have no place in our sport." FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, "Tonight, I suffered with Argentina…but I’m neutral," further stirring online suspicions about favoritism toward Messi.

In the wake of the match, Switzerland's players highlighted their grievances. Akanji lamented the referee’s performance, saying that every infraction by Argentine players went unpunished, adding, "As soon as the game was over, I thought: I'm so proud of our team." Teammate Remo Freuler expressed confusion about the VAR's involvement, stating, "I still don't understand how VAR can intervene in such a situation."

Coach Yakin asserted that the red card disrupted Switzerland's momentum, arguing, "There's no reason for it; the incident wasn't malicious or rough or anything like that." Captain Granit Xhaka echoed the frustrations, signifying the emotional weight of their exit. Despite the heartbreak, Yakin praised their efforts throughout the tournament and expressed pride in the team.