Murat Yakin, the technical director of the Swiss national team, rejected the accusations made by his Egyptian counterpart Hossam Hassan regarding Argentina benefiting from refereeing favors and support from the International Football Federation "FIFA" during the 2026 World Cup, confirming that matches are decided on the pitch and not through media statements.
Yakin strongly criticized, in the press conference on Friday before facing Argentina in the quarter-finals, Hossam Hassan's statements in which he accused "FIFA" of bias towards Argentina and attempting to impose Lionel Messi's crowning with the title, following Egypt's 3-2 loss in the round of 16 amid widespread refereeing controversy.
Yakin said in response to a question about the Egyptian coach's statements: "I think matches are generally played fairly. Video assistant referee technology can intervene and control everything," adding: "Matters should not be resolved with statements after the match, while you had opportunities to win."
In a clear reference to Egypt leading 2-0 until the final minutes of the match before the result turned around, Yakin affirmed: "When the match can be decided on the pitch, justification or directing insults after the match has nothing to do with justice; matters must be settled on the pitch."
Yakin's statements come as Switzerland prepares to face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals at dawn on Sunday in Kansas City, amid a painful blow represented by the absence of the team's top scorer Johan Manzambi due to a knee injury.
Yakin announced that Manzambi, who scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in the tournament, will not be able to participate in the match despite intensive efforts to return him, saying: "We did our utmost to bring him back, but unfortunately he will not be able to participate. Johan is suffering from severe pain, and it was a shock to all of us."
Yakin pointed out that Switzerland's strategy to limit Messi's influence relies on ball possession, saying: "When the ball is in our possession, he will not be able to move much. We try to play in our usual style and not let him pass the ball."
