FIFA has suspended Egypt coach Hossam Hassan for three matches and Mostafa Zico for five games after criticism of the referee following the country’s 3-2 defeat by Argentina at the World Cup.

New Telegraph reports that the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced the sanctions on Monday, adding that national team manager Ibrahim Hassan, the head coach’s twin brother, was also banned for three matches.

Hossam was sanctioned for blaming refereeing errors for Egypt’s elimination from the tournament in the last 16, while Zico was punished for insulting the referee during a post-match interview.

The EFA confirmed the disciplinary decisions in a statement, saying it intends to challenge the sanctions after reviewing the legal grounds for the decisions.

According to the reports, the association will assess the explanations before deciding how to proceed with its appeal.

New Telegraph recalls that the controversy followed a disputed sequence of decisions during Egypt’s defeat to Argentina, with Zico having a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up before Egypt’s players appealed for a penalty late in the match when the score was 2-2.

However, FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating, warning that allegations against referees could expose them and their families to threats.

Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan could miss Egypt’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi in November, as well as the opening fixture of the March international window, depending on how the suspensions are applied.

Zico’s five-match suspension could keep him out of action for Egypt until June.

Egypt will now await further clarification from FIFA as the EFA considers its next steps in response to the disciplinary decisions.