CROATIA SEEKS FIFA RESPONSE OVER VAR AUDIO FOR DISALLOWED GOAL

Croatia's football federation has requested VAR audio recordings from FIFA following a disallowed goal in the team's last-16 match against Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. Stipe Pletikosa, technical director of the Croatian Football Federation, stated that the country's president, Marijan Kustic, sent a letter to FIFA asking for the audio. FIFA has not yet responded to the request, according to Pletikosa's account.

The goal in question came in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol appeared to equalise to send the match to extra-time. The goal was disallowed after Igor Matanovic was judged to have made contact with a cross in the build-up, leaving Mario Pasalic in an offside position. FIFA published an explanation on social media detailing how and why the decision was reached. Croatia's players and staff expressed anger at the time, and the federation's request for VAR audio suggests continued dissatisfaction nearly two weeks after the match.

The 2026 World Cup has seen several refereeing decisions that drew criticism from teams. Iran had a 93rd minute winner ruled out for marginal offside against Egypt in the group stage, preventing Iran's progression to the knockout rounds. Egypt faced controversial decisions of their own against Argentina in the last 16, when Enzo Fernández's 93rd minute winner prompted Egyptian complaints. England's Jude Bellingham had an equaliser allowed to stand against Norway in the quarter-finals, despite reports that the ball appeared to contact a camera cable during the build-up.