India’s football federation, the AIFF, has officially sent a letter to the FIFA Head of Qualifiers, the AFC Head of Referees, the AFC Head of Competitions, and the Match Commissioner, in the aftermath of the game between India and Qatar.
The ball was clearly out of play when it was pulled back in for their first goal. The visitors stopped playing as a result of the ball going out, but the referees did not point for a corner. They didn’t listen to the protests from the Indian players either, as they went on to lose 2-1.
India takes official step after controversial goal in game against Qatar
🚨 | JUST IN ⚡️ : AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey confirms that AIFF after consultation with it’s Chief Refereeing Officer has decided to write to the FIFA Head of Qualifiers, the AFC Head of Referees, the AFC Head of Competitions, and the Match Commissioner, requesting them to… pic.twitter.com/hHRx6tKLG8
— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) June 12, 2024
The goal ended up costing India a place in Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as they finished at the bottom of the table. And in spite of the letter, it seems unlikely that the authorities will ask for a replay of the game.
With no VAR available, it was impossible for the referees to check the goal. As a result, the decision from the linesman and on-field referee stood, with the goalpost and players obscuring their view of the ball.
The incident points out the lack of quality officiating, even in international matches with high stakes. Moreover, it also demonstrates a lack of sportsmanship from Qatar as they scored even though their opponents stopped playing.
Although it is a glaring error from the referees, the chances of the decision being given in India’s favour are highly unlikely, given the history of the sport prior to VAR.
