Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan used a World Cup press conference to express concern for the humanitarian situation facing Palestinians, describing their suffering as a matter that should concern people everywhere. He urged football’s governing bodies, players and the media to use the sport as a platform to encourage respect for human life and the rights of all people. Hassan said his comments were motivated by compassion rather than politics, stressing that concern for those who are suffering transcends nationality and religion. Earlier in the tournament, he carried a Palestinian flag on the pitch after Egypt’s historic progress to the knockout stages, a gesture for which FIFA reportedly took no disciplinary action. Following Egypt’s later defeat to Argentina, Hassan also criticised the match officiating, questioning several refereeing decisions and expressing concerns about the fairness of the contest. His comments have prompted widespread discussion both on and off the field.