Controversial Arab Video Referees Secured for World Cup Duties Despite Domestic Outcry

Egypt's Mahmoud Ashour and Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Al-Shehri selected for World Cup 2026 despite facing fierce criticism and penalty disputes in home leagues.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 11:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Goal.com

The Paradox of High Stakes International Recognition

The global football community witnessed a striking contrast in fortune this week as two Arab referees transitioned from domestic targets of criticism to World Cup selectees. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Egyptian and Saudi Arabian Football Associations confirmed that full officiating teams from both nations would participate in the upcoming tournament in North America. This selection includes Mahmoud Ashour of Egypt and Abdullah Al-Shehri of Saudi Arabia, both of whom will serve as Video Assistant Referees. The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows across the region, coming less than two days after both officials were embroiled in significant refereeing controversies that sparked official protests from major clubs.

Mahmoud Ashour and the Cairo Penalty Dispute

Egypt’s Mahmoud Ashour found himself at the center of a storm during a critical Egyptian Premier League fixture between Al Ahly and Ceramica Cleopatra. Serving as the VAR, Ashour intervened in first half stoppage time after a handball incident involving Ceramica defender Ahmed Hani. Despite summoning on field referee Mahmoud Wafa to the monitor, the penalty was not awarded, leading to a 1, 1 draw. The Referees Committee, chaired by Oscar Ruiz, later defended the non call as technically correct but noted that the footage provided by Ashour initially lacked the necessary clarity. The incident prompted Al Ahly to issue a formal demand for the release of all audio communications between the officiating team.

Abdullah Al-Shehri Faces Scrutiny in the Saudi Pro League

Parallel to the events in Egypt, Saudi official Abdullah Al-Shehri faced similar heat during a Round 29 Roshn League match between Al-Ahli and Al-Fayha. In his capacity as VAR, Al-Shehri was criticized for recommending the reversal of a previously awarded penalty to Al-Ahli and subsequently failing to intervene on a separate second half spot kick claim. The match, which also ended in a 1, 1 stalemate, led to Al-Ahli Club Company releasing a scathing media statement. The club expressed "deep dissatisfaction" with what they described as "glaring errors" that directly impacted the league standings, echoing the Egyptian call for full transparency in refereeing communications.