By Isha S. Mansaray
The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has filed an official complaint to FIFA, citing allegations of laser attacks and disrespect to the country’s national anthem during the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Egypt and Ethiopia.
According to the EFF, during the match, players of their team, especially the goalkeeper, were subjected to laser attacks by spectators in the stadium. They noted that this incident occurred during crucial penalty kicks.
The Federation also complained that these actions significantly affected the overall performance of the Ethiopian team as well as compromised fairness and integrity.
Citing FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations (Edition 2022), Article 19, paragraph 2(c), the EFF highlighted the prohibition of the possession and use of laser devices in stadiums, stressing that repeated and targeted use of such devices constitutes a clear violation of the aforementioned regulations that poses a serious risk to player safety.
Additionally, the EFF complained of disrespect faced by the Egyptian supporters on their national anthem. They explained that fans of the host nation, Egypt, disrupted the Ethiopian national anthem with whistles, jeers, and other forms of audible sounds. This act, according to the Federation, is a direct contravention of the FIFA Disciplinary Code of 2023, Article 16(2)(e), which clearly states that “the use of gestures, words, objects, or any other means to transmit a message that is not appropriate in a sports event, including disrespecting national anthems, contradicts FIFA’s values of respect, fair play, and mutual dignity among national teams.”
In closing, the Egyptian Football Association has called on FIFA to launch a formal investigation over the conduct of the match and hold the Egyptians accountable for their misconduct.
