Croatia's Football Federation has blasted FIFA after a controversial VAR decision led to their World Cup exit, with a senior official revealing they have not received a response to their demands for the match audio.
VAR Controversy in Portugal Defeat
Croatia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 earlier this month, but believed they had scored a dramatic equaliser through Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol. The goal was initially given on the field, but a VAR check ruled it out for offside in the build-up. The decision hinged on whether the ball brushed Croatia striker Igor Matanovic before ricocheting off Portugal defender Renato Veiga.
The Adidas ball used in the World Cup incorporates microchip technology to detect contact from players. It was this chip that detected a sound wave as the ball passed Matanovic, leading to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.
Federation Demands Answers
Croatian Football Federation technical director Stipe Pletikosa revealed that federation president Marijan Kustic sent a letter to FIFA demanding answers. "We took an official position and immediately the day after the incident in the match with Portugal, President Kustić sent a harsh letter to FIFA, requesting insight into the VAR communication regarding that infamous chip. We have not received a response to this day," Pletikosa told RTL.
Pletikosa also criticised FIFA for not protecting the game, citing the half-time interval in Croatia's group-stage match against England as another issue. "The hydration break, the chips, the 18 minutes of half-time in the Croatia-England game... it has gone so far that the game is no longer protected," he said. England won that match 4-2 in Dallas.
Broader Concerns
Pletikosa expressed frustration that FIFA has stopped protecting football. "FIFA has stopped protecting football for the first time. It has had better and darker periods, but it has always protected the game. I'm not talking about referees, they will always make mistakes, it's a normal and integral part of the game. But the hydration break, the chips, the 18 minutes of half-time... I am surprised that the people who work there, who should recognise situations and protect the game, do not react at all," he said.
Croatia, the 2018 finalists, have now been eliminated from the tournament. England, meanwhile, are preparing to face Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
