FIFA has suspended Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan for three matches and forward Mostafa Zico for five games over their criticism of the referee following the Pharaohs' 3-2 loss to Argentina at the World Cup.
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed the disciplinary action on Monday, according to Reuters, disclosing that Ibrahim Hassan, the national team's director and twin brother of the coach, had also been handed a three-match ban.
Hossam was punished for attributing Egypt's exit from the round of 16 to what he described as refereeing errors, while Zico's suspension followed comments in which he insulted the match official during a post-match interview.
In response to the sanctions, the EFA said it had asked FIFA's Disciplinary Committee to provide the full reasoning behind its decisions.
The association said the information would help it evaluate its legal options and decide whether to challenge the suspensions.
The disciplinary proceedings stemmed from contentious decisions during Egypt's defeat by Argentina. Zico had a goal disallowed after a foul was identified in the build-up, while Egypt's players protested for a penalty towards the end of the match with the score tied at 2-2.
However, FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the standard of officiating, cautioning that criticism and allegations against referees could expose them and their families to threats.
The bans are expected to pose a challenge for Egypt as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi in November.
Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan could be unavailable for those fixtures and Egypt's opening match of the March international window, subject to the implementation of the suspensions.
Zico faces a longer spell on the sidelines, with the five-match ban potentially ruling him out of international duty until June.
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