Algeria has formally appealed to FIFA over its 3-0 loss to Argentina, arguing that several refereeing decisions affected the match. The protest was filed after the game, which included a controversial foul by Lionel Messi that Algeria says should have earned a red card.
The Algerian federation highlighted two main incidents. The first was Messi’s challenge on Aissa Mandi, after which referee Szymon Marciniak did not send off the Argentina captain. The second involved Alexis Mac Allister, who Algeria says struck Ibrahim Maza in the face with an elbow, another incident the Polish referee ignored.
As of the report, FIFA had not issued any response to the complaint. Algeria is hoping the appeal will be accepted, though that outcome is seen as unlikely.
