Algerian Football Federation files FIFA complaint over refereeing in Argentina friendly

The Algerian Football Federation has submitted an official complaint to FIFA over the refereeing in its 3-0 friendly loss to Argentina, the federation said. The match was officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. The federation argued that several key decisions went against its players. It cited an incident in which Argentina captain Lionel Messi fouled defender Aissa Mandi but received no caution, and noted that the VAR officials did not review the play. The federation also complained about a separate incident in which Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister struck Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza with an elbow, alleging that no disciplinary action was taken against the player. According to the Algerian newspaper Compétition, federation president Walid Sadi has requested an official explanation for the decision not to involve VAR. The federation said the calls had a clear impact on the game and that Algeria could have been reduced to 10 players for a full half if the appropriate sanctions had been applied. Messi scored twice after the disputed incidents to seal Argentina's victory. No response from FIFA was immediately available.