Alireza Faghani, the 48-year-old Iranian referee, will officiate the crucial World Cup last-16 match between England and Mexico on Sunday. He has faced scrutiny after a controversial decision earlier in the tournament during France's 3-1 victory over Senegal.
Controversial no-penalty call against Senegal
In that match, Kylian Mbappe appeared to be fouled by Sadio Mane inside the penalty area. Faghani initially signaled a goal kick, and after a VAR review, he upheld his decision, declining to award a spot-kick. His explanation that Mbappe initiated the contact was met with widespread disbelief.
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told the BBC: 'My phone has blown up with messages from several of the world's best referees who also can't understand why a penalty wasn't given. I can't support the referee's decision to be honest. For me it is a clear penalty.'
Pundits and ex-referees react
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin dismissed the explanation, calling it 'utter nonsense. No chance at all. How can he have initiated the contact? The most nonsensical line I have ever heard.'
Alan Shearer added: 'I don't get it. You can see the lunge from Mane and his left leg catches Mbappe. How can Mbappe initiate contact if he is in front of him? It's bizarre, it really is.'
Concerns ahead of England vs Mexico
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey expressed concerns about Faghani's appointment for the England-Mexico tie at the Azteca. He told The Sun: 'I am concerned about Alireza Faghani's appointment for England's crunch last-16 tie in Mexico. For a ref of his experience, I thought it was strange he did not overturn his original decision of awarding a corner and point to the spot. I said at the time I did not think he would be awarded another game at this World Cup. Normally, FIFA refs' chief Pierluigi Collina is ruthless over below-par performances and I hope Faghani has learnt from his match debrief.'
Faghani, officiating at his third World Cup after Russia and Qatar, previously refereed Portugal's draw with Colombia earlier in the tournament. Despite his experience, the controversial call has raised doubts about his suitability for the high-stakes England vs Mexico clash.
