The International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) has definitively closed the door on match-fixing allegations surrounding the Algeria-Austria group-stage encounter at the World Cup. Despite lingering suspicions that the result was orchestrated to benefit both teams, the governing body will launch no formal investigation.
Whispers of a pre-arranged outcome circulated after the two sides appeared to play out a result that allowed both to advance to the knockout rounds. The final match of the group ended in a dramatic 3-3 stalemate, with Austria equalising deep into stoppage time – just three minutes after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead.
That goal came at the end of a five-minute passing sequence involving 110 consecutive passes, a display that would have eliminated Austria had they not replied. The tension nearly boiled over when Marco Arnautović confronted the Algerian bench, gesturing angrily.
In the end, Ralf Rangnick’s side finished second in the group, while Algeria progressed as third-place qualifiers. Some observers interpreted the late equaliser as a deliberate arrangement, with Algeria accused of allowing Austria to level in the dying seconds.
Fifa has now categorically dismissed those claims, stating it has no concerns that the match was manipulated by either team. Rangnick himself strongly rejected the notion, though Mahrez did little to dampen speculation when he admitted the scenario appeared unusual.
The former Manchester City star said: “It was a bit strange, to be honest. We were playing on the wings and they were dropping back, but at the last minute one of them made a pass, turned, and I had to react. I must respect the game. The ball came in front of the keeper and I should have scored – I have to try to score. I know the situation is weird, but that’s football and I must respect it. For Austria, the important thing is they scored and secured their ticket. We both went through, and that’s what counts.”
Austria now face a tough knockout tie against European champions Spain. Should they cause an upset, they would meet either Portugal or Croatia next. Algeria’s path sees them take on Switzerland, with a potential quarterfinal clash against Argentina if both teams maintain form.
