FIFA World Cup 2022: See controversies sparked by VAR, referee calls in Qatar

The group stage matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022 concluded on Saturday. However, like every FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 has had its own share of controversies, with refereeing calls being the core reason for many.

This World Cup features an exciting addition, (SAOT) the semi-automatic offside technology, which enhances judgment accuracy. The SAOT, along with the video assistant referee (VAR), clarified several on-field decisions that elicited conflicting emotions from spectators.

Let's look at some disputes arising due to VAR and officiating in the matches.

• Ao Tanaka from the Japan team scored in the 51st minute against Spain to give Samurai Blue the lead in a Group E encounter on Friday. Tanaka tapped home after the ball was provided from the right side of the field by Kaoru Mitoma. The ball appeared to have crossed the touchline and out of play before Mitoma intervened.
• The initial goal from the team Ecuador in the first minutes of the World Cup opener played opposite Qatar was ruled out following a VAR review, leaving many perplexed. Enner Valencia got the ball from Felix Torres and headed it into the net, much to the delight of thousands of Ecuadorian fans at Qatar's Al Bayt Stadium. However, VAR turned down the joy.
• Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal became the first player in World Cup history to score in five separate tournaments when Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha. However, how he accomplished this achievement led to controversy among football commentators and social media warriors. Ronaldo raced into the six-yard box in the 62nd minute before appearing to be tackled by Ghana's Mohammed Salisu.

FAQs

In football, how does VAR work?
The VAR goes through the broadcast material from every perspective imaginable. To begin, real-time replays are utilised to assess intensity.

What is the function of VAR?
VAR is an abbreviation for video assistant referees. Instead of simply one person, a team of three persons collaborate to examine the chief referee's judgments.