By Argentinian Appeal Rejected Following Controversial Olympic Football Match Against Morocco
Following Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Morocco on Wednesday in the opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympic football tournament, the Argentine delegation lodged a complaint with FIFA, contesting the conditions of their defeat.
The Argentinians felt aggrieved, believing they had secured a last-minute equalizer in the 90+16th minute. Medina’s goal led to a chaotic scene with projectiles being thrown and a minor pitch invasion. Both teams had initially thought the referee had blown the final whistle amid the confusion. However, referee Glenn Nyberg had only suspended the match temporarily. After a nearly two-hour pause and a thorough VAR review, the goal was disallowed, and play resumed. Argentina failed to score in the remaining three minutes, resulting in a 2-1 loss.
“A Farce Against the Rules”
“It’s unfortunate what we Argentinians had to endure today in Saint-Étienne,” lamented Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association. “Waiting almost two hours in the locker rooms, especially after the pitch invasion and the violence our delegation experienced, only to be forced back out to warm up and continue a match that should have been called off by the main referee is truly a farce against the competition’s rules.” Tapia confirmed the decision to take the matter to FIFA’s disciplinary committee.
FIFA’s Official Response
OFFICIAL
FIFA has dismissed Argentina’s appeal regarding the match against Morocco in the #Olympics #Paris2024. The 2-1 victory for Morocco stands! pic.twitter.com/w7anjYWgiq
— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) July 27, 2024
On Saturday, sources such as Moroccan media outlet Le 360 and specialized account Soccer212 reported that FIFA rejected the Albiceleste’s appeal. This decision allows Tarik Sektioui’s team to focus on their next match against Ukraine, relieved of the burden (scheduled for 5 PM, GMT+2). Meanwhile, the Argentinians face a tough encounter against Iraq at 3 PM.
