Kroatië's FIFA complaint raises VAR misuse questions

Kroatië's football federation (HNS) lodged a formal complaint with FIFA today after their WK-uitschakeling at the World Cup, calling the VAR decisions a ‘Misbruik’ of technology. The federation argues that irregular actions surrounding the 1‑1 equaliser and a disallowed goal contributed to their 2‑1 loss to Portugal.

Croatia fell 2‑1 to Portugal in the round of 16 at the WK. Deep in injury time Josko Gvardiol appeared to level the score, but his effort was ruled out for off‑side.

The off‑side call was based on Igor Matanovic allegedly heading the ball, which placed Gvardiol in an off‑side position. HNS says the incident could not be seen with the naked eye, yet FIFA claims evidence from a chip embedded in the ball.

HNS also contends the VAR‑protocol was misapplied before Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty to make it 1‑1. They argue the referee should not have been summoned to the side to review that decision.

Portugal secured the match with a second goal, confirming a 2‑1 victory. The Croatian federation stresses that the grievance concerns the procedural process rather than the referee’s individual calls.

In its statement, HNS described the episode as a ‘Misbruik’ of technology that harms FIFA, teams and supporters. The body warned FIFA and demanded a detailed explanation of every contested decision.