Fifa release statement on controversial decision three hours after World Cup match following VAR technology outage

FIFA were forced to release a statement over a VAR fault after a controversial decision at the World Cup. Switzerland faced Qatar in their Group B opener on Saturday. Qatar grabbed a dramatic injury-time equaliser to rescue a point. But it was Switzerland’s early penalty that sparked debate. Remo Freuler was clattered by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada – but replays appeared to show the Swiss man offside from the header down. VAR checked the offside and cleared it – but fans were convinced the angle showed Freuler was off. READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS But the crucial angle looking across the backline was not available for broadcast – which proved Freuler was indeed on. That prompted a furious backlash from many watching the action, including Gary Neville. He blasted Fifa as “like a dictatorship” for having the conclusive evidence from the semi-automated offside but not broadcasting it. But three hours after full-time, Fifa released a statement to explain the World Cup tech blunder. Most read in Football WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! This year’s World Cup will be like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought. But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance. SunSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament LATEST NEWS - BBC release stunning immersive 3D World Cup app - Gordan Ramsey EXCLUSIVE - England stars’ boots and equipment STOLEN - How BBC vs ITV line-ups compare for the World Cup KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Fifa said: “During the Qatar vs Switzerland match in the San Francisco Bay Area, a brief technical outage prevented the onside animation graphic from being generated ahead of the penalty awarded to Switzerland in the 14th minute. “The issue was quickly resolved. “The workflow of the VAR was not affected by this issue and followed the normal procedure in checking the on-field decision. “The lines used by the VAR to check the position of the relevant players did not show the attacking player to be in an offside position in either of the two situations immediately before the penalty decision.” The incident came a day after VAR seemingly changed the new laws to intervene into a decision of mistaken identity during the USA vs Paraguay game. Play was called back and a VAR review took place to retrospectively book Miguel Almiron for diving.