Mr.Tee
Paris, July 27, 2024 — FIFA has dismissed Argentina’s complaint regarding a controversial VAR decision in their opening match against Morocco at the Paris Olympics. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Argentina after a last-minute equalizer was disallowed by the video assistant referee (VAR), sparking protests from the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
The incident occurred during the men’s soccer opening game on Wednesday. Initially, the match was suspended with a 2-2 draw when a group of fans broke onto the pitch. After a two-hour delay, VAR ruled out Argentina’s final goal, declaring the match a 2-1 victory for Morocco. This decision prompted AFA to file a formal protest, demanding clarity on the grounds for the ruling.
AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee rejected the protest filed regarding the events that occurred in the match against Morocco.” Tapia emphasized that the AFA is seeking explanations for the decision and is evaluating potential appeals to uphold the team’s rights.
FIFA maintained that VAR is designed to eliminate clear and obvious mistakes by the officiating crew and stands by the decision to disallow the goal. The organization has reiterated its satisfaction with the implementation of VAR, despite the controversy surrounding specific incidents.
Meanwhile, organizers of the Paris Olympics are investigating the cause of the pitch invasion that led to the match suspension. They aim to prevent similar disruptions in future matches and ensure the safety and integrity of the tournament.
Argentina, a nation passionate about soccer, recently celebrated notable successes, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and securing their 16th Copa America victory earlier this month. The controversial loss against Morocco has been a significant setback for the team, but the AFA is committed to defending their interests and seeking justice for what they believe was an unfair decision.
