'VAR, stay out of it' - Ex-refs chief fumes after re-analysing 'unbelievable' Argentina vs Egypt footage

Mostafa Ziko's "unbelievable" goal should not have been ruled out for a foul during Egypt's collapse to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that he saw nothing "clear and obvious" about the foul in the build-up.

Lionel Scaloni's side were furious about Egypt's second goal on Tuesday, 7 July, claiming that Lisandro Martinez had been fouled on the halfway line during the build-up.

Their concerns were listened to, and eventually justified, as Ziko saw his stunning goal ruled out in the five-goal thriller at the Atlanta Stadium.

Ziko would find the back of the net again, this time being allowed to stand, but the reigning World Cup champions came back in style, thanks to goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez.

Despite an incredible battle from Hossam Hassan's side, it wasn't meant to be for the Egyptians, as they bowed out of the World Cup round of 16.

VAR told to 'stay out of it' after Argentina vs Egypt thriller

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett made his disappointment very clear about the disallowed goal, but insisted that the referee had very little choice after VAR got involved.

"That goal from [Mostafa] Ziko was just unbelievable. It was one of the goals of the tournament," he said.

"And sadly, under VAR protocol, they can look at the phase build-up to that particular goal. For me, as a referee, it wasn't clear and obvious, the foul on [Lisandro] Martinez.

"The referee was in a good position to judge. VAR, stay out of it! However, once VAR comes in, you've got a decision to make as the referee goes to the screen.

"He gets a microscopic view of the offence on Martinez, and it's penalised, with the goal ruled out. Is that what football wants?"

Mostafa Ziko hits out at 'fixed' FIFA World Cup

While netural football fans were simply enjoying a five-goal thriller between the two teams, Egypt couldn't help but feel wronged.

Ziko, after his goal was ruled out, spoke to the media after the game, claiming that it's "clear that this tournament has been fixed".

Those comments are unlikely to go down well with FIFA, but emotions were certainly bubbling over at the Atlanta Stadium during game, even before the full-time whistle.

Nonetheless, it was Argentina who secured their spot in the quarter-finals, set to take on Granit Xhaka's Switzerland on Sunday, 12 July.