Croatia football federation files complaint to FIFA over VAR decision in World Cup loss

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after Croatia’s 2‑1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, which ended the team’s tournament run.

The controversy centers on two refereeing decisions. In stoppage‑time, Josko Gvardiol’s equalising goal was disallowed after VAR indicated an off‑side involving Mario Pašalić, based on a sensor in the match ball that recorded a faint contact between the ball and Igor Matanović’s hair. HNS argues this “connected‑ball” data was misapplied and not in line with VAR protocol. A second grievance concerns the penalty awarded to Portugal, which HNS also says was decided after an improper VAR review.

Spokesperson Tomislav Pacak told reporters that the federation is “deeply disappointed” and considers the use of the technology an “abuse”. The letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino requests a detailed explanation of the decisions and warns that such application of VAR is not beneficial for FIFA, teams, or fans.