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 rule, with VAR suffering another high-profile error at the tournament in North America.
The Controversial Goal
England fell behind midway through the opening 45 minutes when Andreas Schjelderup crossed the ball into Jordan Pickford's net. However, there were claims that Harry Kane was fouled in the build-up, and VAR should have intervened to rule out the strike. Referee Clement Turpin took no action and allowed the goal to stand.
According to reports, Bellingham's equaliser moments later should have been disallowed under FIFA regulations, but VAR failed to identify the infringement. The incident has sparked debate over the consistency of VAR decisions at the tournament.
VAR Under Scrutiny
This is not the first time VAR has been criticised at the World Cup. The technology has faced backlash for inconsistent application of rules, with fans and pundits calling for greater transparency. The little-known rule in question relates to a specific offside or foul scenario that was overlooked by officials.
England manager Gareth Southgate declined to comment on the controversy, focusing instead on his team's performance. Norway's players were visibly frustrated after the match, with several expressing disbelief at the decision.
Impact on the Match
The equaliser shifted momentum in England's favour, leading to a tense second half. The Three Lions eventually secured a 2-1 victory, advancing to the semi-finals. However, the debate over the legitimacy of Bellingham's goal continues to dominate headlines.
FIFA has not yet issued a statement on the incident, but the error is likely to fuel calls for VAR reforms ahead of future tournaments.
