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Atlanta: FIFA has issued an official clarification amid the controversy over Germany’s potentially decisive goal being canceled during extra time in the match played between Germany and Paraguay. World football’s supreme body clarified that the decision taken after review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was completely in accordance with the rules of the game.

In extra time of the match, Germany defender Jonathan Tah sent the ball into the goal through a header. However, during the VAR investigation, it was found that before the goal was scored, Germany player Waldemar Anton had hindered the movement of Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil. On this basis the goal was declared invalid.

Replays showed Anton giving a slight push to the goalkeeper, sparking debate on the decision on social media and among football experts. The match eventually reached a penalty shootout, where Germany lost and the team was eliminated from the tournament.

FIFA’s clarification on VAR rules

Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s refereeing department, said that officials have already been given clear instructions that VAR will intervene in cases where a player deliberately interferes with the movement of an opposition player, especially the goalkeeper, instead of playing the ball.

He said that a player standing in his place is not a foul in itself, but if its purpose is to prevent the goalkeeper from defending, then it will be considered a violation of the rules. According to Colina, coaches and players were already informed about such situations.

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