Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, many parties expressed concern about the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in football. However, in reality, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has become the subject of the most heated debate among other digital innovations throughout the tournament.
Tensions peaked after the round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt. A goal by Egyptian player Mostafa Ziko was disallowed by match officials after a VAR review found a foul in the attacking phase that occurred about 15 seconds before the goal was scored, far from the penalty area.
A report from The Wall Street Journal highlighted that this incident is clear evidence of how replay technology intervention is deemed to have exceeded reasonable limits. The decision inevitably sparked strong protests from Egypt, who felt that the duration and timeframe of the review disrupted the dynamics and intensity of the ongoing match.
In response to the 3-2 defeat, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) officially filed a protest with FIFA regarding the consistency of referee François Letexier. The debate over the limits of the "attacking phase" has now become a crucial issue, given that the rule is still seen as having a wide gray area in its on-field application.
Fundamental criticism of VAR has now shifted from the accuracy of decisions to the sociological impact on football. The use of technology, which was originally designed to correct clear and obvious errors, is now seen as reducing the essence of spontaneity, delaying fan celebrations, and eroding the natural emotions that are the soul of the world's most popular sport.
