Referee’s Wikipedia page falsely claims he’s Jewish after Egypt’s World Cup exit
Fake biography edits fuelled antisemitic conspiracy theories as Egyptian fans accused French official of "Zionist" bias
Football referee Francois Letexier’s Wikipedia page has been sabotaged to falsely claim he is Jewish in the wake of Egypt’s last-gasp World Cup exit.
Following Argentina’s victory over their Middle Eastern opponents, French referee Francois Letexier came under heavy scrutiny from Egyptian fans over several decisions, including ruling out an Egyptian goal after a VAR review and awarding Argentina what proved to be a decisive penalty.
Subsequently, the Egyptian Football Association launched a formal complaint to FIFA, accusing referees of applying “double standards”. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan also accused FIFA of favouring the defending champions, claiming: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay for marketing. This match was clearly rigged, and the whole world witnessed it.”
Concluding the heated match, someone changed Letexier’s Wikipedia page to portray the referee as having an Orthodox Jewish upbringing. The edit claimed he had been born into an Jewish family in Brittany. The false information was removed a few hours later.
However, before the Wikipedia edit was removed, screenshots of the page spread across social media platforms. Some Egyptian supporters shared the claims while accusing Letexier of favouring Argentina.
In Egypt’s previous World Cup victory over Australia, manager Hossam Hassan returned from the dressing room after the match to celebrate with supporters while waving a Palestinian flag. Footage circulating on social media showed Egyptian fans chanting “Free, Free Palestine” while wearing keffiyehs.
Following Tuesday’s defeat, Hassan was met by an Argentina supporter waving an Israeli flag as he walked down the tunnel. Video circulating on social media appears to show the Egypt manager shouting angrily at the fan.
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