\(\text{SL}(3,3)\) is not a maximal subgroup of the Lie group of type \(F_ 4\) (Q1899413)

The authors show that if a subgroup of \(F_4(\mathbb{C})\) is isomorphic to \(\text{SL}(3,3)\), then it normalizes an elementary abelian subgroup of \(F_4(\mathbb{C})\) of order 27. Thus, there is a unique extension \(3^3:\text{SL}(3,3)\) in \(F_4(\mathbb{C})\). In particular, \(\text{SL}(3,3)\) does not occur in \(F_4(\mathbb{C})\) as a finite maximal subgroup. The authors also show that \(\text{SL}(3,3)\) acting with a fixed action on the split Jordan algebra associated with \(F_4\) for any field of characteristic 2 or 3 preserves a unique Jordan algebra structure.