FIFA has settled the controversy over the Algeria-Austria World Cup match, shutting down allegations of collusion without launching an investigation. Despite suspicions that the result was prearranged to benefit both teams, the world football governing body sees no grounds for concern.
Reports indicated the two sides had agreed to share the points in their final group match to guarantee a joint qualification to the Round of 16. The lively encounter ended in a 3-3 draw, with Austria equalising in the 96th minute just three minutes after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead.
Mahrez’s goal, which came after a five-minute move featuring 110 consecutive passes, would have eliminated Austria. The tense atmosphere nearly boiled over as Marco Arnautović was seen angrily gesturing towards the Algeria bench. In the end, Ralf Rangnick’s Austria finished second in the group, while Algeria, despite being third, also advanced to the next round.
Some observers believed the result was stage-managed, claiming Algeria allowed Austria to equalise in the dying seconds. Sources confirmed that FIFA categorically rejected the allegations and expressed no concern about match manipulation.
Rangnick firmly dismissed the notion, though Mahrez did little to quell growing speculation by admitting the final sequence seemed odd and suspicious. To be honest, it was a bit strange,
said Mahrez, the former Manchester City star. We were playing on the wings and they were dropping back, but in the last minute one of them passed, turned, and I had to react. I must respect football. The ball came in front of the keeper and I should have scored — I have to try to score. I know the situation is strange, but that’s football and I have to respect it. For Austria, the important thing is they scored and qualified. Both of us went through, and that’s what matters.
Austria now faces a tough knockout match against European champions Spain. Should they cause an upset, they would then meet Portugal or Croatia. Algeria, meanwhile, will take on Switzerland, with a potential quarter-final clash against Argentina if both teams maintain their form.
