CBF Audio Shows VAR Confirmed Chapecoense Goal Before Referee Overruled on Field

Overview

• The federation released VAR booth audio that records video officials telling referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima that Chapecoense’s 49th-minute equaliser had been checked and confirmed.
• Despite the booth confirmation, the referee chose to go to the pitch-side monitor, reviewed the images himself, and then annulled the goal for a foul he said affected the play.
• Minutes later the VAR recommended a separate review for a possible penalty, the referee awarded the spot kick and Bolasie hit the crossbar, leaving the final score Palmeiras 1–0.
• The CBF’s internal review found procedural errors in both reviews and removed the referee and the entire VAR team from upcoming assignments for retraining.
• Commentators and a lip-reading analysis amplified criticism of the on-field review after a booth confirmation, and the episode has intensified debate over VAR rules, referee training and when referees should override booth assessments.