Zagreb, July 7: Croatia has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after its controversial FIFA World Cup exit, accusing the governing body of “abusing technology” during its 2-1 Round of 32 defeat to Portugal.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) questioned the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology after Josko Gvardiol’s stoppage-time equaliser was ruled out following a lengthy review. Although the goal initially stood, referee Espen Eskas overturned the decision after data from FIFA’s Trionda match ball indicated a slight touch by Igor Matanovic, resulting in an offside call.FIFA defended the decision, explaining that sensors embedded inside the match ball can detect even the slightest contact, allowing officials to make more accurate decisions. The technology is displayed to viewers through the tournament’s “heartbeat graphic.”Croatia, however, argued that relying on such microscopic data goes against the spirit of VAR, which was introduced to correct only “clear and obvious” errors. HNS also criticised the VAR review that led to Portugal being awarded a second-half penalty, converted by Cristiano Ronaldo.In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, HNS expressed “deep disappointment” with the decision-making process, claiming the VAR protocol had been incorrectly applied and disrupted the flow of the game. (Agencies)
