Jude Bellingham's first-half equaliser for England against Norway in the World Cup quarter-final should not have stood due to a little-known FIFA regulation, with VAR overlooking yet another breach at the tournament in North America. England fell behind midway through the opening 45 minutes when Andreas Schjelderup beat Jordan Pickford with what looked like a cross. Although there were suggestions that Harry Kane had been fouled in the build-up, referee Clement Turpin took no action and let the goal stand. Bellingham rescued his side just before half-time, showing remarkable strength and footwork to fend off Norway's defence before scoring from close range.
FIFA Regulation Breach
The goal ought to have been ruled out according to FIFA's tournament regulations. Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to catch a camera cable with his goal kick at the beginning of the sequence, before the ball was collected by Elliot Anderson. Anderson then located Anthony Gordon, who laid the ball off to Bellingham ahead of the goal. FIFA regulations stipulate that a drop ball must be awarded if a ball strikes a camera cable during play, meaning that Bellingham's goal should not have stood. The proper procedure would have seen VAR step in following Bellingham's finish to inform Turpin, but that did not happen, and the game continued at 1-1.
Expert Analysis
Mark Clattenburg shed light on the rule during FOX's live broadcast, stating: "VAR can interfere if that contact of the ball on the camera cable is part of a reviewable incident, an attacking phase of play leading to a goal is part of the VAR reviewable incident. It should have been picked up by the VAR." This follows another contentious VAR ruling during Argentina's round of 16 match against Egypt, where a goal by Mostafa Ziko was disallowed after VAR ruled a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up. Alan Shearer criticised the decision on The Rest Is Football, calling it "utter and complete b***cks" and highlighting inconsistency in officiating.
Impact on the Tournament
The VAR error has sparked debate about the consistency of officiating at the World Cup, with England benefiting from the oversight. Bellingham's goal was his fifth in the tournament for England, keeping their hopes alive as they pushed for a semi-final spot.
