Ethiopian federation lodges formal protest against Egyptian FA to FIFA

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has filed a complaint against the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to FIFA over incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup qualifier Group A encounter on Friday, September 5.

Ethiopia lost 2-0 to Egypt in Cairo.

EFF officially disclosed that they have lodged a formal complaint to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. EFF stated that the use of laser pointers and the jeering of the Ethiopian national anthem are the reasons for filing the complaint.

The federation noted that Waliyas’ goalkeeper, Abubakher Nura, was subjected to a laser pointer attack from Egyptian fans during the two penalty kicks in the first half. EFF says the use of laser pointers is against FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations. North African supporters are well known for using laser pointers against opponent teams.

During the Ethiopian national anthem, the home crowd was said to be whistling and jeering. EFF stated that this scenario is a recurring issue that needs to be addressed. EFF asked FIFA to open a formal investigation and hold the EFA responsible.

The tension between Ethiopia and Egypt revolves around a Blue Nile River dam named the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which the East African nation constructed and is set to unveil on Tuesday, September 9. Football games between the two nations have never been a source of problems.

Full Statement By The Ethiopian FA

The Ethiopian Football Federation has formally submitted a complaint to FIFA following incidents of misconduct during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Egypt and Ethiopia on Friday night. pic.twitter.com/XPML7RH30c

— Ethiopian Football Federation 🇪🇹 (@EthiopiaFF1) September 7, 2025

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