A photo of Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye and a screengrab of him playing for Senegal at the World Cup in a circular inset

Everton and Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana GueyeImago and ITV 1

Ex-FIFA official reacts as Idrissa Gana Gueye wrapped up in Senegal controversy vs Norway

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Published on:

23 Jun 2026, 12:10 pm

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was embroiled in a moment of contention at the World Cup on Monday.

Gueye, 36, was involved as Senegal were defeated 3-2 by Norway in Group I at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Manchester City ace Erling Haaland was the thorn in the Senegal side, scoring twice for his team.

Ismaila Sarr finished with a brace of his own for Senegal, but ultimately they have now lost to both France and Norway.

It means Senegal could do with a healthy win over Iraq in their final group game to try and claim one of the eight spots for the best third-placed team.

For Gueye, though, there was even more frustration as he was caught up in a contentious moment during the game.

Idrissa Gueye frustrated by penalty controversy in Senegal defeat

Senegal's World Cup hopes are now hanging on a knife-edge, and Gueye was particularly frustrated during the game.

Senegal were already trailing 3-1, when the 36-year-old was caught in the penalty area by Moller Wolfe during an aerial challenge in the 74th minute.

Despite his protestations, referee Wilton Sampaio was unmoved and decided not to award the penalty kick.

Former FIFA official referee Keith Hackett thinks the official took the right action, and applauded the process he went through.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Hackett said: "The referee was ideally positioned and went through the correct decision making process.

"His position gave him the ability to see the incident. He could see that both players challenging for possession were looking upwards towards the ball.

"He recognised that the coming together of the two players was an accident. His delay was him going through the process of thinking about what he had seen.

"Then he acted by correctly not awarding a penalty kick. Good officiating."

Everton: Idrissa Gueye boosts contract chances despite Senegal loss vs France

What's the latest with Gueye's Everton contract?

Gueye's focus, understandably, is with Senegal right now, as they aim to prolong their stay at the World Cup.

But lingering in the background is the fact Gueye's contract with Everton is imminently about to expire.

The veteran midfielder did not make enough appearances for Everton to automatically trigger a renewal.

Everton have stated that talks with Gueye's representative's have been ongoing, but as things stand nothing official has been decided.

Idrissa Gana Gueye

Everton Football Club

World Cup