Egyptian FA Orders Tanta vs Telecom Egypt Rematch After Referee Used Phone Instead of VAR

The Egyptian Football Association's Competitions Committee has decided to replay the match between Tanta and Telecom Egypt, which took place on April 16 as part of the Second Division league. This decision comes after the scandal involving the referee using a phone in the absence of VAR technology, and the events witnessed during the game.

The committee has set next Tuesday, April 21, as the date for the replay of the match, which is part of Week 30 fixtures. This decision is in line with the application of regulations and the preservation of the principle of equal opportunities.

Previously, the Egyptian FA's Referees Committee had announced the indefinite suspension of the officiating team for the Tanta vs Telecom Egypt match due to the "scandal" dubbed "phone VAR."

The referee had initially awarded a penalty to Telecom Egypt following a signal from the assistant referee. This decision sparked strong protests from Tanta, leading them to threaten to withdraw from the pitch. Subsequently, the fourth official intervened, reviewed the incident via a "phone," and confirmed that the foul occurred outside the penalty area, leading to the cancellation of the penalty.

It is worth noting that a decision to "replay a match" is a rare occurrence in the world of football, and several parties have previously called for such action without success.