FIFA are not expected to launch an inquiry into allegations that the World Cup game between Austria and Algeria was manipulated - to benefit both nations.
It has been suggested that the two sides agreed to share the spoils in their final group stage game - enabling both to advance to the knockout rounds. The rivals were involved in a pulsating 3-3 tie, with Austria netting a 96th-minute equalizer. This came after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria in front three minutes earlier.
The goal featured a five-minute build-up and 110 consecutive passes and could have knocked Austria out. Tempers threatened to flare, with Marko Arnautovic spotted exchanging words with the Algerian bench and gesturing furiously, as per The Mirror .
-Credit:Alex Pantling - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images
Ultimately, Ralf Rangnick's side advanced in second place, with Algeria finishing third to join them in the next round. Critics have alleged the outcome was deliberately engineered, with Algeria permitting their opponents to equalize with virtually the final kick of the match.
However, it is understood FIFA have brushed aside the suggestion and harbor no concerns regarding the result.
Austria head coach Rangnick has also flatly rejected the notion. Though Mahrez did little to dampen mounting speculation that something was off when he conceded the closing stages had felt "awkward."
The former Manchester City star said: "It was a bit awkward, to be honest. We were playing wide and they were sitting, but in the last minute someone plays a ball, he turns, and I have to make the run.
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"I have to respect football. The ball arrives in front of the keeper and I have to score - I have to try to score. I know it's an awkward situation, but it's football, and I have to respect it. And the good thing for them (Austria), is that they score and they qualify. We both qualify, and that's the most important thing."
Austria have been drawn into a tough knockout fixture, set to face European champions Spain in the Round of 32. Should they pull off a major upset, their next challenge would be against either Portugal or Croatia .
Algeria, meanwhile, are set to take on Switzerland , with their position in the knockout bracket placing them on a potential collision course with Argentina in the quarterfinals, provided both nations keep advancing.
