CORNERFLICK
Gianni Infantino was seen with Egypt’s flag in the VIP area before Switzerland’s match against Colombia in Vancouver, shortly after Egypt’s controversial exit against Argentina.
Images from BC Place showed the FIFA president posing with the flag before kick-off on the same night Egypt lost 3-2 after leading 2-0 in Atlanta. Argentina’s late comeback and a string of contentious refereeing decisions prompted angry reactions from Egypt’s camp.
Hossam Hassan hit out at the officials and FIFA after the game, saying Egypt had not been treated fairly. He also said he would not watch the rest of the World Cup because he did not view the tournament as fair.
The photograph quickly circulated on Arabic social media, where some users saw it as a gesture of respect towards Egypt’s performance, while others read more into the timing. Switzerland’s meeting with Colombia came later the same evening, with the winner set to face Argentina in the quarter-finals.