Petition To Have World Cup Final Replayed Gathers Momentum

A French website has set up a petition calling for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between France and Argentina to be replayed citing some questionable refereeing decisions, and it already has huge numbers in support.

Last Sunday evening's enthralling World Cup final ended with Argentina hoisting the famous trophy aloft after defeating the reigning champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

While players from both La Albiceleste and Les Bleus have come to terms with the result, it seems many of the French faithful are still up in arms at the outcome of the fixture. As per Daily Mirror, close to 200 000 people have signed a petition on French website MesOpinions calling for the game to be played again, believing that Argentina’s first two goals in the encounter were unjust.

It is argued that the tackle on Angel Di Maria that led to Lionel Messi opening the scoring from the penalty spot for the South American champions was not a foul, while it is also felt that Kylian Mbappe was impeded in the build-up to the goal scored by the Juventus star to double Argentina's lead.

Those strikes would give the South Americans a 2-0 lead in the encounter, but Mbappe almost single-handedly brought the 2018 world champions to within a penalty shootout of winning the trophy again as his hat-trick helped the French reach the end of extra-time with matters all squared at 3-3.

While many have lauded referee Szymon Marciniak for his display in football's biggest match, it seems a large part of the French contingent were not happy with his officiating.

Petitions and appeals are common practice in football, but it is unlikely a decision of this magnitude will be overturned.