The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) filed a formal objection to FIFA, denouncing "dietary injustice" in the 3-0 loss to Argentina, for the 2026 World Cup group phase.
According to a source within the FAF citing the French News Agency (AFP), the objection was lodged as early as the day after the match, which took place on 16 June in Kansas City and was the first game of the two teams in the event.
The Algerian side focuses on certain phases, with mainly a strong branding of Lionel Messi in the 30th minute on Aisha Mandi, arguing that he should have been punished with a direct red card.
Argentine star, who scored hat-trick (17’, 60’, 76’) in his team's victory, was not punished by referee Simon Marchinak.
The same source also mentions two more phases that, as he argues, included elbows on Ibrahim Maza and Anış Hanj Musa, without interference by VAR.
"We do not question Argentina's superiority, but we cannot remain silent about such decisions," it is said, with FAF pointing out that it is not asking for a change of outcome, but an examination of arbitration by the competent bodies.
Algeria continues its obligations to the group, facing Jordan and Austria, with the aim of qualifying for the next stage of the event.