FIFA has no plans to launch an investigation into allegations that the World Cup match between Austria and Algeria was deliberately modified to benefit both sides. It has been suggested that the two sides will agree to share the spoils in the final group match, guaranteeing both countries a place in the knockout stages.
The match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Austria equalizing in the 96th minute, just after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead just three minutes earlier. The equalizer, which came after a five-minute run consisting of 110 consecutive passes, could have easily eliminated Austria. Marko Arnautovic was visibly furious after being spotted in a heated exchange with the Algeria national team bench, threatening to explode in anger.
In the end, Ralf Rangnick’s team advanced to second place, while Algeria finished third and qualified for the next round. Critics claim the result was deliberately engineered, with Algeria seemingly conceding an equalizer with virtually the last touch of the game.
However, FIFA is understood to have ignored the allegations and has no concerns about the validity of the result. Austrian coach Rangnick also flatly rejected the idea. But Mahrez did little to allay growing speculation that something was amiss when he admitted he felt “awkward” in the closing stages.
The former Manchester City star said: “To be honest, it was a bit awkward. We were playing wide and the opponent was sitting, but at the last moment someone played the ball and he turned and I had to run.”
“I have to respect football. If the ball gets in front of the keeper, I have to score. I have to try to score.”
I know it’s an awkward situation, but this is football and we have to respect it. And the good thing for them (Austria) is that they scored and qualified. We’re both qualified and that’s the most important thing.”
Austria currently faces a formidable knockout tie against European champions Spain. If they make a big impact, their next opponents will be Portugal or Croatia.
Algeria, on the other hand, are scheduled to play Switzerland, and their place in the knockout draw puts them on track to face Argentina in the quarter-finals if both teams continue to win.
