Croatia Files Complaint to FIFA Over Controversial World Cup Exit

Croatia has officially complained to FIFA after their World Cup exit against Portugal, citing 'abuse of technology' during a crucial VAR decision. The Croatian Football Federation argues that the VAR process was misapplied, particularly regarding a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Portugal. They believe that the technology used strayed from the spirit of the game, leading to unfair outcomes. This complaint raises significant questions about the use of advanced technology in football and its impact on match integrity. Read on to explore the details of Croatia's claims and FIFA's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 7, 2026, 07:41 IST

Croatia's Formal Complaint to FIFA

Croatia has lodged an official complaint with FIFA following their elimination from the FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 defeat against Portugal in the round of 32. The Croatian team claims there was "abuse of technology" during a pivotal moment in the match that denied them a chance to advance to the round of 16. The match ended dramatically when Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time goal was initially allowed but later disallowed after a lengthy VAR review by referee Espen Eskas, who cited an offside detected through data from the match ball.

Concerns Over VAR Technology

The Croatian Football Federation believes that the integrity of the game has been compromised, while FIFA has defended its officiating protocols. Following criticism from Croatian fans and the team, FIFA reiterated its commitment to the VAR process. The technology used in the Trionda match ball identified a minute touch from Igor Matanovic's hair, which altered the offside decision.

FIFA's Defense of VAR

In response to the backlash, FIFA stated that the IMU sensors in the Trionda ball can detect even the slightest contact, which is displayed to viewers as a 'heartbeat graphic.' This technology provides officials with unprecedented data for making quick and accurate decisions. However, Croatia argues that such detailed data strays from the "clear and obvious" principle of VAR, relying on information that players cannot perceive in real-time.

Details of the Formal Complaint

HNS spokesperson Tomislav Pacak shared with RTL Danas that the Croatian Football Association has sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressing their profound disappointment regarding the match against Portugal. They are not solely contesting the refereeing decisions but are also questioning the processes that led to those decisions. Pacak emphasized that the VAR protocol was misapplied concerning the penalty awarded to Portugal, arguing that the referee should not have been prompted to review the footage. Furthermore, he stated that Gvardiol's equalizer was wrongly ruled offside due to Matanovic's non-existent involvement, as indicated by the sensor data.

Pacak concluded by stating, "We believe this is an abuse of technology, which we generally support in football. However, its application in this instance has not served FIFA, the teams, or the fans well. While our letter may not alleviate the disappointment felt by fans and players, it is crucial to alert FIFA and seek a thorough explanation of all decisions made."