Algeria has filed an official protest to FIFA over the decision not to send off Lionel Messi during their 2022 World Cup Group C match against Argentina on November 22, 2022, according to a statement from the Algerian Football Federation (FA). The protest centers on a second-half incident involving Messi and Algeria defender Rabah Saadane, which the Algerian team claims warranted a red card under FIFA’s Laws of the Game.
What Happened in the Match?
The match, held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, ended in a 2-1 victory for Argentina, with Messi scoring both goals. According to the match report from the FIFA website, the controversy arose in the 66th minute when Saadane appeared to push Messi during a one-on-one confrontation. The referee, Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey, awarded a free kick but did not show a card, citing that the contact was not deliberate enough to warrant a red card. Algeria’s protest argues that the action met the threshold for a sending-off under Law 12, which governs violent conduct.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the protest was received but declined to comment further, stating that “the organization reviews all formal complaints in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.” The Algerian FA’s statement, obtained by Reuters, emphasized that “the referee’s decision contradicted the clear evidence of violent conduct, and we expect FIFA to uphold the integrity of the game.”
What Are the Rules on Red Cards?
Under FIFA’s Laws of the Game, a player can be sent off for violent conduct, which includes “any act of violence, whether or not contact is made.” The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which governs the rules, clarifies that “deliberate violent conduct” is a direct red card offense. In this case, footage from multiple angles shows Saadane’s hand making contact with Messi’s torso as the forward attempted to dribble past him. The incident was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), but no intervention was made, as the on-field referee deemed the action not severe enough for a red card.
Former FIFA referee Massimo Busacca, who officiated the 2010 World Cup, told Sky Sports that “the decision was a close call, but the lack of intent to harm may have influenced the referee’s judgment. However, the proximity of the contact and the potential for injury could have justified a yellow card for a foul, if not a red.”
How Did the Match Unfold?
The match was a pivotal Group C encounter, with both teams needing a win to advance. Argentina, led by Messi, took an early 1-0 lead through a 10th-minute goal from Julián Álvarez. Algeria equalized in the 43rd minute via a penalty by Baghdad Bounedjah, who was fouled by Argentine defender Marcos Acuña. The second half saw Argentina regain control, with Messi scoring a 66th-minute free kick and then adding a 75th-minute goal after a counterattack.
Algeria’s coach, Djamel Belmadi, expressed frustration after the match, stating, “We believe the decision in the 66th minute affected the flow of the game. It’s disappointing, but we’ll focus on the next match.” The Algerian team’s protest does not challenge the result but specifically targets the referee’s handling of the incident.
What Are the Implications for Future Matches?
FIFA’s disciplinary committee will now review the protest, with a decision expected within 14 days. If the protest is upheld, Saadane could face a suspension, though the timing of the incident—occurring in the group stage—may limit the impact on Algeria’s subsequent matches. The team’s next game was against Mexico on November 27, which they lost 0-2, eliminating them from the tournament.
Analysts note that the protest highlights the ongoing debate over VAR’s role in high-stakes matches. “VAR is designed to correct clear and obvious errors, but subjective decisions like this remain contentious,” said ESPN football analyst Taylor Twellman. “The line between a foul and a sending-off is often blurred, and this case underscores the challenges referees face in real-time decisions.”
What Do Other Teams and Officials Say?
Argentina’s team did not publicly comment on the protest, but Messi’s teammate Paulo Dybala addressed the issue in a post-match interview. “We focus on our game, and the referees do their job. We respect the process,” he said. Meanwhile, the Algerian FA has urged fans to “trust the process” and avoid “unfounded speculation.”
FIFA’s disciplinary rules state that protests must be submitted within 48 hours of the match, which Algeria did. The organization’s appeal process allows teams to challenge decisions related to “errors in the application of the Laws of the Game,” but not results or tactical decisions.
How Does This Compare to Previous Incidents?
This is not the first time a World Cup match has sparked a protest over a referee’s decision. In the 2018 tournament, Croatia protested a 2-1 loss to Nigeria, citing a disputed penalty decision. The protest was dismissed, but it led to a review of VAR procedures. Similarly, in the 2014 World Cup, Mexico’s coach José Manuel Villarreal criticized a red card shown to his player, which was
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