FIFA Says Sensor Data Shows No Cable Contact in Goal

FIFA has defended the officiating in England's 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal victory over Norway, dismissing a major controversy by stating that sensor data from the match ball showed no evidence it struck an overhead camera cable in the build-up to Jude Bellingham's first-half equalizer. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 11, at Miami Stadium, where England secured a dramatic extra-time win to advance to the semifinals.

The controversy erupted late in the first half. Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland sent a goal kick upfield that appeared to clip a cable connected to the stadium's robotic skycam system, visibly altering the ball's trajectory before it dropped to England's Elliot Anderson. England quickly worked the ball forward, and two passes later, Bellingham finished emphatically to tie the match at 1-1 just before halftime. Norway's players and coaching staff, led by manager Stale Solbakken, immediately protested to referee Clement Turpin, arguing the ball should have been ruled out of play for contacting an object outside the field.

Under the laws of the game, if the ball strikes such an object, play should be stopped and a drop ball awarded. The video assistant referee did...