FIFA defends VAR call that eliminated Germany

FIFA's head of referees has defended the controversial video review decision that disallowed a late German goal, leading to the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Pierluigi Collina stated that the call, which ruled out Jonathan Tah's extra-time header against Paraguay on Monday, was correct under stricter enforcement guidelines communicated to all teams before the tournament.

The decisive moment came in the 101st minute of the round of 32 match, with the score tied 1-1. Tah headed the ball into the net, but after a VAR review, the goal was chalked off. Officials determined that German defender Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, by pushing him to the ground. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, which Paraguay won 4-3 after Tah missed his spot-kick.

Collina explained the ruling by citing a specific directive given to referees. He said that while holding a position is not automatically a foul, officials are instructed to penalize attacking players who deliberately move to obstruct an opponent without attempting to play the ball, particularly when it prevents a goalkeeper from defending. He emphasized that coaches and players were informed...