Croatia lodge FIFA complaint over 'abuse of technology' after controversial World Cup exit against Portugal
Croatia has filed a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the use of VAR technology during their World Cup exit against Portugal. The team disputes a disallowed goal that was overturned based on microscopic data from the match ball's sensors.
Why it matters
This case raises questions about the balance between technological precision and the 'spirit of the game' in professional sports officiating.
Luka Modric - Getty Mohamed Saeed Mon, 6 July 2026 at 7:13 pm UTC · 3 min read Protest against VAR intervention Croatia’s World Cup journey ended in the most bitter fashion imaginable, as a 2-1 defeat to Portugal was sealed by a decision that has left the nation in shock. Following the final whistle, the HNS moved quickly to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging an "abuse of technology" that they believe unfairly cost them a place in the knockout rounds.
The article presents the grievances of the Croatian team alongside FIFA's technical defense of the officiating process.
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