Explained: Why Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Made The 'X' Gesture During Controversial World Cup Loss To Argentina
Explained: Why Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Made The 'X' Gesture During Controversial World Cup Loss To Argentina Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 09:18
Explained: Why Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Made The 'X' Gesture During Controversial World Cup Loss To Argentina Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 09:18 IST Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made an 'X' symbol in front of a referee that is recognised by FIFA for reporting racist abuse. Rapid Read Hossam Hassan was shown a yellow card after making the symbol. (AFP Photo) Egypt football team coach Hossam Hassan was fuming during an explosive press conference after his side was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 3-2 defeat to reigning champions Argentina. Egypt were on the brink of a historic World Cup quarter-final appearance after taking a 2-0 lead in Atlanta before Argentina produced a dramatic comeback to avoid a major upset. However, the contest was marred by controversy, with Hassan claiming his team was “cheated" after several decisions went against them and played a crucial role in determining the outcome.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first half, Egypt were denied a goal from Mostafa Zico when VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up. However, Zico later found the net to double his side’s lead. Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi then scored to bring Argentina level. The controversy continued when Egypt claimed they should have been awarded a penalty after Alexis Mac Allister allegedly pulled Hamdy Farthy inside the box. Moments later, Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal and kept Argentina’s hopes of retaining the world cup title alive. A visibly frustrated Hassan held up both arms in an “X" shape – a symbol recognised by FIFA for reporting racial abuse during a match – in front of French referee Francois Letexier. However, Letexier ignored the gesture before showing Hassan a yellow card.
What Is the Meaning of the X Symbol Made by the Egypt Coach? Players and officials can report racist abuse during a match by crossing their arms at the wrists to form an “X." Once the signal is made, the referee initiates FIFA’s three-step protocol. Step 1: Stop the Match The referee decides whether to stop the match after observing or receiving a report of racist abuse from a player or competition official. Step 2: Suspend the Match If another incident occurs after play resumes, the referee can suspend the match and instruct both teams to return to their respective dressing rooms. An announcement is then made explaining the reason for the suspension. Step 3: Abandon the Match After consulting the relevant authorities, the referee can decide to abandon the match if the racist abuse continues after play resumes.
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