With the commencement of the FIFA World Cup 2026, fresh controversies have taken a huge shape in this 48-team tournament. On Saturday, during the match between Qatar and Switzerland, the Swiss side were given penalty which led out controversy. It also threw several questions to FIFA after the board failed to share a VAR replay of Switzerland's controversial decision. The penalty was given to Switzerland after the Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada fouled Remo Freuler.
The replay showed that Freuler was straying offside, rather he had been offered foul. However, the original decision stood after a VAR review, and Switzerland lead with one goal scored by Breel Embolo from penalty in the 17th minute.
FIFA's decision getting criticised
The denial of the replay caused a storm of anger among people. The former English defender, Gary Neville, was the first to criticize the broadcast company for denying everyone access to the footage.
Also Read | Pakistan sweat over Fatima Sana fitness ahead of India clash
"We all think it’s offside here. Everyone at home thinks it," Neville said. "FIFA has the semi-automatic technology to show us. Why are they hiding it? They pulled this same stunt last tournament. Fans already distrust FIFA and the technology. It’s offside in my eyes until they prove otherwise."
Neville claims FIFA 'dictator'
Neville didn't hold back, comparing FIFA's secrecy to a "dictatorship" and demanding instant transparency in a tournament decided by thin margins.
"The idea that they hold this evidence internally and don't show the fans is absolutely ridiculous," Neville said. "Prove to us it's offside. Show it straight away."
Ian Wright backed him completely, labeling the blackout a "scandal."
"With the semi-automatic line, why haven't we seen it? In the Premier League, we see it every week. They just do what they want sitting in their office. It's a scandal," Wright added.
FIFA releases statement amid controversies
After facing criticisms from all corners, FIFA finally broke its silence, admitting that the technology responsible for generating VAR offside graphics crashed just moments before Switzerland’s opening goal against Qatar.
Also Read | Bernardo Silva set for Real Madrid move as Mourinho secures first major signing of new era
As stated by FIFA in its comments regarding the issue, it was established that there was a temporary technical issue in the game in the San Francisco area, which made the creation of the 3D animation prior to the penalty in the 14th minute by the Swiss team impossible.
Nevertheless, it was too late for FIFA by then.
Despite the visual blackout for broadcasters and fans, the governing body insisted the internal VAR workflow wasn't compromised. FIFA maintained that officials followed standard procedures, checking the lines on their own monitors, which ultimately showed the attacking Swiss players were onside in both build-up phases leading to the penalty.
Looking into the Group B match between Qatar and Switzerland, both the teams ended in a 1-1 draw, with Qatar securing one point after scoring in the extra minutes of the second-half of the game.
FAQs:
Why was FIFA criticized during the Qatar vs. Switzerland match despite using VAR?
They failed to broadcast the VAR replay or 3D offside graphics to fans and commentators after a controversial Swiss penalty.
What reason did FIFA give for the lack of a 3D offside animation broadcast
FIFA stated that a temporary technical issue in the San Francisco area crashed the graphics system right before the penalty incident.
