FIFA World Cup controversy recordings: Croatia demands FIFA release the VAR audio after their Round of 32 elimination. The Croatian Football Federation says it has not received a response from FIFA regarding its official request to access the VAR communications behind Joško Gvardiol’s disallowed extra-time equaliser against Portugal. More than a week after the 2-1 defeat, technical director Stipe Pletikosa revealed that federation president Marijan Kustić sent a formal letter immediately after the match, but the governing body has remained silent.
The decision relied on FIFA’s Connected Ball Technology, which detected that striker Igor Matanović made slight contact with the ball before it reached Mario Pašalić. This ruled Pašalić offside and disallowed Gvardiol’s goal. While FIFA defensively explained the technology, Croatia now questions whether correct VAR protocol was followed. Pletikosa stressed that referees make mistakes but argued FIFA has failed to protect the game during this tournament, pointing to unusual breaks and long half-time durations.
Croatia is not alone in challenging officiating. Egypt also filed a formal complaint after their Round of 16 loss to Argentina. FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina defended officials, saying integrity allegations have no place in football. The Croatia-England VAR controversy recordings have intensified scrutiny of refereeing standards.
In conclusion, Croatia’s call for transparency over the FIFA World Cup controversy recordings remains unanswered, as the federation seeks clarity on the VAR decision that ended their campaign.