The Algerian Football Federation has filed a formal complaint with FIFA after Algeria's 3-0 World Cup opener loss to Argentina, pointing to an alleged unpunished elbow by Alexis Mac Allister. The grievance keeps the match's officiating under scrutiny and centers the dispute on decisions made in Kansas City.
Messi and Mac Allister
The complaint says Lionel Messi and Mac Allister were fortunate to escape red cards. It also says Messi made a dangerous 30th-minute tackle on Aissa Mandi with his studs raised, while Mac Allister allegedly struck Ibrahim Maza with an elbow and received no sanction.
Szymon Marciniak in Kansas City
Szymon Marciniak oversaw the refereeing in Kansas City, and the complaint targets the decisions made in that World Cup opener. Argentina won the Group J encounter 3-0, with Messi scoring a treble, celebrating his 200th cap, and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time tournament record of 16 goals.
Petkovic's response
Vladimir Petkovic did not hide his view after the match. He said, “It’s pointless commenting on hypothetical situations, but everyone saw it, including me.”
That leaves FIFA with a formal complaint on its desk and a match already carrying extra weight because of the players involved. The practical next step is a review of the refereeing complaint itself, with Algeria pressing the case that both Messi and Mac Allister should have been sent off while no red cards were shown.
