Overview
- The Hrvatski nogometni savez (HNS) sent a formal letter to FIFA contesting several refereeing and VAR decisions that it says decided Croatia’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
- The complaint focuses on Josko Gvardiol’s goal at 103 minutes that was disallowed after VAR ruled Mario Pašalić offside following what FIFA said was a prior touch by Igor Matanović registered by the ball’s connected sensor.
- HNS argues the sensor explanation is insufficient because the laws treat hair as part of the body only when it clearly alters the ball’s path, and the federation says available images do not show any trajectory change.
- FIFA has publicly cited the connected-ball data to justify the offside call, and HNS is now waiting for an official FIFA reply that could clarify how sensor readings may be used in match-deciding reviews.
- The dispute raises wider questions about how automated sensor inputs will be validated, how VAR reviewers should weigh tiny sensor signals against video evidence, and what this means for trust in officiating going forward.