The Egyptian Football Association says it “cannot remain silent” and now officially wants the referees — who were involved in their World Cup clash with Argentina  — booted out of the tournament.

Egypt players, their coach Hossam Hassan, and their fans were filthy after the loss to Argentina and now the EFA has issued a statement to FIFA demanding action.

“Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian football federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” the EFA statement said.

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The association believes Letexier and the video referees made “blatant errors” and “insisted” on not reviewing some footage.

Following an investigation into the “mistakes”, the EFA wants “the referee and the entire crew” excluded from the World Cup for the (alleged) “crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.

“Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not a matter that can be ignored, minimised, or treated as secondary,” the statement said.

Hossam Hassan holds his arms up in an X shape to signal racial abuse after Argentina’s match-winner two minutes into stoppage time.  Credit: Getty

“It is a responsibility that we carry with full conviction and determination.”

Egypt appeared to have netted its second goal in the 58th minute, but a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review determined that Marwan Attia had fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez before the goal.

The statement said that the referee failed to use the VAR system appropriately, leading to the loss.

“Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly influenced the course of the game,” the statement said.

Mostafa Ziko netted another one nine minutes later to give Egypt a 2-0 lead, but all momentum shifted onto Argentina’s side when Lionel Messi assisted Cristian Romero in the 79th minute — the first of three consecutive goals.

Hassan held his arms up in an “X” shape to signal racial abuse after Argentina’s match-winner two minutes into stoppage time. After the game, Hassan said his team was the victim of a soccer establishment that favoured Messi and Argentina.

In the dramatic climax to the game Egypt’s goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghir was red-carded and several yellow cards were dished out to Egyptian players. The EFA’s statement said that a number of experts and analysts have defended Egypt, underlining the importance of integrity, fairness and transparency in officiating on soccer’s biggest stage.

The statement expressed the frustration among Egypt players, staff and supporters.

“Every player who wears the Egyptian shirt, and every supporter who stands behind the team, deserves fairness, respect, and equal application of the laws of the game.”

In the immediate aftermath of the game, Zico said it was “clear that this tournament has been fixed”, while Hassan said: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”

That conspiracy went into over drive when FIFA revealed that France’s next clash with Morocco in Boston will be officiated by all Argentinian referees.

- With AP