Everyone says it's a draw, but the PK declaration's 'real problem is what comes next'... VAR controversy that nearly made Qatar cry, "FIFA dictatorship" — English legend furious

*This content was translated by AI.

A controversy over video assistant referee (VAR) nearly made Qatar cry. A penalty kick that led to Switzerland's opening goal raised suspicions of offside. However, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) failed to clearly resolve fans' questions about the offside call. As a result, English football legend Gary Neville (51) also expressed his anger.

On the 14th (Korean time), The Sun reported that "Neville compared FIFA's use of VAR to a dictatorship following the controversial scene in the Qatar-Switzerland match."

On that day, Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland in the Group B first match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup held at Levi's Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. Trailing 0-1, Qatar scored a dramatic equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with one minute remaining before the final whistle, securing a valuable point.

In this tournament, Qatar was grouped in Group B with Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Facing Switzerland, a "strong favorite for first place" from the first match, Qatar secured a point with a dramatic draw. In the match held the previous day, host nation Canada and Bosnia also drew 1-1. All four teams in Group B finished their opening matches with 1-1 draws, starting on equal footing.

The result was significant for Qatar. It was their first-ever point at a World Cup finals stage. Qatar had made their dream debut at the World Cup by qualifying as hosts for the 2022 tournament held in their own country. However, reality was harsh. They were eliminated after losing all three group stage matches, including the opener. Qatar was the first host nation to suffer three consecutive defeats in the World Cup group stage.

Thereafter, Qatar prepared to restore its pride. Regaining confidence after winning the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, the team was reorganized under new manager Julen Lopetegui, who previously led Real Madrid (Spain) and the Spanish national team. After navigating the Asian qualifiers' play-offs, Qatar finally secured a spot in the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup finals, earning a valuable result — their first-ever World Cup point — in their opening match.

However, there was a dizzying moment for Qatar. The controversy over offside arose during the process that led to the opening goal conceded. The incident occurred in the 17th minute of the first half. Switzerland created a decisive chance with a high-arcing header pass inside Qatar's penalty box. A chaotic scene then unfolded in front of the Qatar goal.

Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada (Al-Rayyan SC) came forward to handle the ball but collided with Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler (Bologna) without successfully clearing it. The referee immediately awarded a penalty kick.

The problem was Freuler's position at the moment he received the pass. On the broadcast screen, Freuler appeared to be ahead of the Qatar defense. Yet, the assistant referee's flag did not go up. However, since the actual position could appear different depending on the camera angle, it was difficult to definitively call it offside with the naked eye. Ultimately, VAR review was crucial. After checking with VAR, the referee upheld Switzerland's penalty kick.

The greater controversy followed in the subsequent handling. This tournament introduced semi-automated offside detection technology. However, the FIFA-managed broadcaster did not provide viewers with offside lines or 3D graphics that could serve as the basis for the decision. Only a caption reading "Review Complete" appeared on the screen. There was no explanation to resolve fans' doubts.

Neville expressed his anger precisely at this point. According to reports, Neville, who works as a football expert, pointed out, "FIFA has evidence of the semi-automated offside detection technology that it can show us. So why doesn't it show it to us?" He continued, "FIFA did the same in the previous tournament. Fans already distrust FIFA and the technology. There is huge controversy in this scene. To me, it was offside until FIFA proves otherwise."

Furthermore, regarding FIFA's decision not to provide offside lines or 3D graphics, he strongly criticized it, saying, "It looks like a dictatorship."

Another English legend, Ian Wright, also agreed with Neville's opinion. He said, "Why can't we see the semi-automated offside detection screen? It looks offside to me as well. I can't understand it."

Football commentator Lee Dixon also said, "This is offside. The penalty kick should not be allowed," even immediately after the referee's whistle blew. He further argued, "Freuler was clearly ahead. The referee couldn't see it, which is why he awarded the penalty kick." However, contrary to Dixon's expectation, the referee upheld Switzerland's penalty kick. Ultimately, Swiss striker Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais) stepped up as the kicker and scored the opening goal.

Semi-automated offside detection technology uses multiple special cameras and tracking systems installed in the stadium to capture players' body positions and the movement of the ball. Through this, it quickly conveys whether an offside has occurred to the VAR referee. It is a device that helps VAR make offside decisions faster, more consistently, and more accurately. The final decision is made by the refereeing team, including the referee, based on this information.

Football fans watching on TV can also confirm offside calls more clearly through these graphics. Of course, regulations do not require this to be disclosed to fans. However, FIFA has long emphasized the need to communicate VAR decisions more clearly to both stadium attendees and TV viewers. In 2023, FIFA even approved a trial to broadcast VAR decision communications to both the stadium and TV audiences. Yet, the controversy grew larger when relevant graphics were not released during a decisive scene at the world's largest stage, the World Cup, which could determine the outcome of the match.

Football fans also reacted similarly to the legends. One fan said, "Freuler was at least a foot ahead. Even the player who made the initial pass could have been in an offside position. A shocking decision." Another fan pointed out, "I wish FIFA would release the semi-automated offside detection graphics proving that Switzerland was not offside."

However, Qatar did not give up despite the difficult situation. In the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second half, they scored a dramatic equalizer. From the right flank, Hooman El Amini (Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa) delivered a cross, which center-back Boualem Khoukhi (Al-Sadd) leaped high to connect with a header. The ball went straight into the net. Even world-class goalkeeper Gregor Kobel could not stop it. Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Qatar players roared, savoring the joy of their first-ever point in World Cup history. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada, who had provided the opportunity for the penalty goal conceded in the first half, had reddened eyes.

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*This content was translated by AI.