A viral video circulating after Egypt's dramatic 1-1 draw with Iran has sparked a new debate among football fans, with many claiming Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan played a direct role in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that ruled out Iran's stoppage-time winner.

The footage shows Hossam Hassan watching the replay on the stadium's giant screen before immediately rushing toward the fourth official. Moments later, he makes the familiar VAR hand gesture while pointing toward the pitch, as Iranian players continue celebrating what they believed was the winning goal.

Seconds later, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak was informed by the VAR team that an offside offence had occurred, and the goal was disallowed, preserving Egypt's 1-1 draw and second place in Group G.

Did Hossam Hassan Trigger the Review?

The dramatic sequence has led many fans online to wonder whether Hossam Hassan's reaction prompted the VAR review.

In reality, the answer is almost certainly no.

Under FIFA's VAR protocol, every goal is automatically checked by the Video Assistant Referee before play restarts. That process takes place regardless of whether players, coaches or officials protest the decision.

Latest News

After Thrilling All-Egyptian Battle, Adam Hawal Sets Up Vancouver Squash Final Against French StarWas Hossam Hassan’s Handling of Mohamed Salah Behind His Exit as Egypt Coach?

In other words, the review would have happened even if nobody on the Egypt bench had reacted.

So Why Is the Video Going Viral?

While Hossam Hassan did not trigger the VAR review, the footage remains remarkable because he appeared to recognize that something was wrong almost immediately.

Before most players and supporters realized there might be an offside, the Egypt coach was already appealing to the fourth official and signaling for a review.

Whether that came from spotting the unusual offside himself or simply sensing an infringement, the moment has added another memorable chapter to one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far.

Ultimately, it was the VAR officials—not the protests from the touchline—who identified the offside offence under the Laws of the Game.

Still, the viral clip has become another example of Hossam Hassan's passion on the touchline and has fueled discussion among supporters about one of the defining moments of Egypt's historic World Cup campaign.