The Algerian Football Federation lodges a complaint with FIFA following the Argentina - Algeria World Cup match

Algerian football’s governing body has criticised the referee’s decisions.

The match between Algeria and Argentina, played on 17 June in Group J of the World Cup, was marred by controversy over refereeing. The decisions made by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak drew particular criticism from Algerian supporters. But Algerian football officials have not remained silent on the matter.

The Algerian Football Federation is reported to have decided to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, arguing that the refereeing decisions influenced the match, which ended in a 3-0 defeat for the Fennecs. According to the media outlet TSA, the Algerian football governing body is primarily pointing the finger at Lionel Messi’s foul on Aïssa Mandi.

Footage shared on social media shows the Argentine striker making contact with the Algerian defender’s calf, and some supporters felt he should have been shown a red card. The Algerian Football Federation is also said to have highlighted Alexis Mac Allister’s challenge on Ibrahim Maza, who was elbowed in the face.