The North African giants believe the alleged refereeing mistakes have prevented them from securing the qualification against Cameroon.
Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has called for a replay of their World Cup playoff against Cameroon.
The Fennecs saw their Qatar 2022 dreams turn to ashes when Karl Toko Ekambi scored a 124th-minute winner for Cameroon on Tuesday. Ekambi’s goal won the second leg 2-1 for Cameroon, with the Indomitable Lions qualifying on away goals after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.
However, a new appeal made by FAF might force FIFA into replaying the game. The Algerian officials believe the performance of the game’s referee, Bakary Gassama, has affected the final results.
The Gambian referee ruled out two of Algeria’s goals, both scored by Islam Slimani. The second goal, which came during the extra time, convinced Gassama to let it stand initially. However, he disallowed Slimani’s effort after checking the pitch-side monitor.
“The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has lodged an appeal with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) against the scandalous arbitration which distorted the result of the Algeria-Cameroon playoff,” FAF’s statement reads.
“The FAF is determined to use all legally permitted means to have its rights restored and to replay the match under conditions guaranteeing the honesty and partiality of the arbitration.
“The FAF also requests the opening of an investigation by FIFA bodies to shed light on the arbitration of the Algeria-Cameroon match.”
The draw for the World Cup’s group stage will take place on Friday. As of now, FIFA is yet to provide a response to FAF’s appeal.
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