AIFF has filed a complaint over the contentious goal which was given to Qatar in the FIFA World Cup qualifying match held in Doha. The AIFF has urged the authorities to conduct a detailed probe into the event that took place during the match against Bahrain at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium which India lost 1-2.
The Controversial Goal
The last goal came in the 73rd minute of the match from the free-kick which was taken by Abdullah Alahrak and after the save by the Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu the ball was believed to have crossed the line. Nevertheless, the Qatari Hashmi Hussein headed the ball back into the Nigerian playing area to Yousef Ayem. Indian players thought the referee would blow the whistle to stop the game and take a corner kick, because the ball seemed to have rolled out. But South Korean referee Kim Woo-Sung permitted the goal, causing an outrage among the Indian team.
AIFF’s Response
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has urged for an investigation into the referee’s ruling. The AIFF has also written letters to FIFA and AFC officials requesting them to look into the “grave supervision error” and look into the possibilities of compensation on a sporting basis.
Regulations and Reactions
In the words of the International Football Association Board, “The ball is out of play if it wholly passes over the goal line or touchline. ” The AIFF opined that the ball had gone out of the line fully and the game should have been over. Since there was no VAR in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The decision taken by the referee was final, which only added to the disappointment of the Indian fans and players.
Implications for India
The much-debated goal denied India their maiden chance into the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifications. The AIFF’s complaint can be seen as a call for a fair play and correct refereeing in the critical games. The outcome of the investigation could be a potential influence on future matches and the credibility of the game.
What’s Next?
FIFA and AFC have not responded yet to the AIFF, and the footballing fraternity is waiting with bated breath. The above case serves to support why technology such as VAR is crucial in preventing unfair play. This is because fans expect the show to bring a justice. That will restore the honor of the sport and fight the perceived unfairness.