French referee François Letexier has faced widespread backlash following Egypt’s controversial 3-2 World Cup exit to Argentina. After debate over key refereeing decisions—including Egypt’s disallowed goal and a late penalty appeal—criticism escalated online, with reports claiming Letexier eventually deactivated his Instagram account amid the backlash.
The controversy extended beyond fans, with the Egyptian Football Association filing a complaint to FIFA, while refereeing analysts, including The New York Times, argued that Egypt’s disallowed goal should have stood. Since then, brands from around the world have joined in, humorously announcing that the referee has been “banned” from their businesses.
Soin de Coco — Banned from Buying Beauty & Hair Care Products
Country: Lebanon
It seems Letexier will have to look elsewhere for his beauty routine. The Lebanese brand jokingly announced he is no longer welcome, adding, “We fix damaged hair, not damaged decisions.“
Stack — Banned from Eating Gourmet Sandwiches & Flatbreads
Country: India
No gourmet sandwiches or flatbreads for Letexier. The Gurugram eatery shared a mock ban notice, joining the growing list of businesses poking fun at the referee.
Daleel App — Banned from the Local Marketplace
Country: United Arab Emirates
Need to shop local? Not anymore. The UAE marketplace jokingly “banned” Letexier, suggesting he’ll have to find another way to discover homegrown businesses.
The Shirt Guy — Banned from Customizing Apparel
Country: Egypt
Custom T-shirts are officially off the table. The Alexandria-based printing company posted its own “banned” graphic, becoming one of many Egyptian businesses joining the online trend.
Jellyfish — Banned from Drinking Bubble Tea & Matcha
Country: Jordan
Bubble tea and matcha are apparently no longer an option. The Amman café wrote, “We can forgive soggy boba. But we can’t forgive his refereeing.”
Burger Cartel — Banned from Eating Burgers
Country: Australia
If Letexier ever visits Australia, Burger Cartel says he won’t be getting a burger. The restaurant declared him officially banned, citing only one reason: “That officiating.”
BussinBuns — Banned from Eating Hot Chicken
Country: United States (Texas)
Spicy chicken is off the menu too. The Texas restaurant joined the trend with a “banned” poster, bluntly stating the reason: “Robbing Egypt.”
What started as outrage over controversial refereeing decisions has since turned into one of the World Cup’s most viral side stories, with businesses from across the globe finding creative ways to join the conversation.
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