FIFA is under fire for refusing to release VAR images from a controversial penalty decision during Qatar’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland on June 13, a Group stage match at the 2026 World Cup. The decision to withhold the footage has drawn sharp criticism from commentators and fans, raising pointed questions about the governing body’s commitment to transparency at the exact moment it’s trying to sell the world on blockchain-powered fan engagement.
What happened on the pitch
The match in question saw Qatar and Switzerland battle to a 1-1 draw. The flashpoint came when referee officials awarded Switzerland a penalty after determining that Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada committed a foul on Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler.
VAR was consulted. The penalty stood.
Replays available on the broadcast strongly suggested Freuler may have been offside before the foul even occurred. FIFA never released the VAR images, the freeze-frame lines, or any of the visualizations that would typically accompany such a tight call. No calibrated offside graphic. No explanation. Just a penalty and a draw.
