FIFA has released data from the Connected Ball sensor to counter Norway's claims that Jude Bellingham's equaliser for England in the World Cup quarter-final should have been disallowed for touching an overhead camera wire. The sensor showed no spike in the ball's movement, indicating no contact with the cable.
Controversial Goal in England's Comeback
England came from a goal down to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time, with Bellingham scoring twice. The equaliser in first-half stoppage time sparked fury from Norway. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland launched the ball upfield, and television replays suggested it grazed the camera wire before falling to Elliott Anderson, who set up Anthony Gordon, who then laid it off for Bellingham to score.
Norway players protested immediately, gesturing towards the sky. Manager Stale Solbakken confronted referee Clement Turpin at half-time, while Erling Haaland also signalled that the ball had hit the wire.
FIFA's Response and VAR Analysis
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, a pundit for Fox, said VAR should have reviewed the incident. "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 VAR," he said.
FIFA responded by publishing footage from the Connected Ball's sensor, stating: "Before England's goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball."
Impact on the Match
Despite the controversy, England completed their comeback in extra time when Bellingham scored his second of the evening, securing a 2-1 win and a semi-final clash with Argentina. The incident continues to divide opinion, with fans questioning why the apparent contact was not examined more rigorously before the goal was allowed to stand.
