"Run by Mafia Bosses": The scathing accusation shaking up the World Cup

11.07.26 AET World Cup

Argentina

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Switzerland

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Former Egyptian national team star Ahmed Hossam "Mido" has launched a scathing public attack on the global football establishment accusing "mafia bosses" of artificially orchestrating Argentina’s run to the World Cup 2026 semi finals.

Read Also: Fourteen managers gone: How the 48 team World Cup triggered a historic coaching massacre

The VAR trigger point

Mido's fury stems from the dramatic quarter final clash where Lionel Messi’s Argentina secured a 3-1 extra time victory over Switzerland. While the match was tightly contested, the tactical balance was completely shattered in the second half by a highly controversial refereeing decision.

Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for "simulation" (diving), a decision that was shockingly awarded only after the referee consulted the VAR monitor.

The decision to use video review to issue a second yellow card for diving infuriated fans and pundits alike, with Mido leading the charge claiming that La Albiceleste received blatant institutional support to ensure they reached the final four.

An explosive rant on Social Media

Taking directly to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the former Ajax, Tottenham and Roma forward did not hold back. He openly accused the sport's administrators of extreme bias and institutional corruption.

"Once again, Argentina and Messi were gifted a win to reach the semi finals, a stage they should not have reached" Mido wrote to his millions of followers.

He then escalated his rhetoric attacking the very financial foundations of modern football:

"Football is turning into a disgusting sport under the leadership of mafia bosses. Politicians, sponsors, money and betting companies now completely control the game"

The Egyptian icon concluded his explosive thread by lamenting the death of the traditional game, stating:

"The game has been snatched away from the real fans and is rapidly transforming into a capitalist sport designed solely to serve the rich and the politicians"

A pattern of anti-FIFA outrage

This is not an isolated outburst from the fiery Egyptian pundit during this World Cup cycle. Mido’s intense frustration with tournament officiating has been boiling over for weeks.

He previously launched a similar, highly publicized tirade against FIFA and French referee Jérôme Brisard following Egypt’s heartbreaking Round of 16 exit against Argentina.

During that match, Egypt suffered from several controversial calls including a disallowed equalizer which Mido and other figures felt were heavily tilted in favor of the reigning South American champions.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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