FIFA has defended the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that ruled out Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay.
According to FIFA, coaches and players were informed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup that such incidents would be penalised.
The explanation comes in the aftermath of Germany’s World Cup exit to Paraguay.
Germany believed they had taken a 2-1 lead in extra time of their Round of 32 match when Jonathan Tah scored.
However, referee Jalal Jayed overturned the goal following a VAR review after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match finished 1-1 before Paraguay secured a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. Tah missed Germany’s decisive spot-kick, allowing Jose Canale to convert the winning penalty and complete Germany’s World Cup exit.
FIFA explains decision
Germany coach, Julian Nagelsmann, criticised the decision after the match, saying, “In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed.”
But FIFA’s head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, insisted the officials acted in line with guidance issued before the tournament.
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“Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene.
“This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal.
“Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls,” Collina said.
Focus on blocking
According to football issues correspondent, Dale Johnson, blocking was already identified as an area of focus before the World Cup.
Collina had previously outlined FIFA’s intention to crack down on players obstructing opponents, particularly goalkeepers, during set-piece situations.
While the incident involving Anton occurred after the corner had been taken, Johnson said it reflected FIFA’s wider effort to prevent players from blocking defenders or goalkeepers without attempting to play the ball.
However, he argued the decision appeared soft, suggesting Gill moved into Anton rather than the other way around, and questioned whether the contact met the threshold for a clear and obvious error requiring VAR intervention.
Johnson also noted that although the Premier League plans to place greater emphasis on blocking and holding next season, similar incidents are not expected to result in VAR reviews. The debate over the decision has continued following Germany’s World Cup exit.
Paraguay advance
Paraguay progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face two-time world champions France in Philadelphia on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 BST.
