Fifa accused of 'dictatorship' as World Cup offside fury erupts over missing VAR replay

Gary Neville called Fifa a 'dictatorship' on ITV after the governing body refused to release semi-automated offside footage that would have proved whether Switzerland's Remo Freuler was onside before winning a penalty against Qatar. The moment came in the 1-1 draw in Santa Clara on Saturday, when Freuler was brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada and Breel Embolo converted the spot-kick. Replays appeared to show Freuler was offside, but the original decision stood following a VAR review. Fifa, the host broadcaster, did not show the semi-automated animation that its enhanced offside system had generated. 'We all think it here [that it was offside],' Neville said. 'Everybody at home thinks it. Fifa are the host broadcaster and they have the semi-automatic decision that they can show us. There is a massive question over that because it is offside in my eyes until they prove me different.' The former Manchester United defender added: 'It's like a dictatorship, this. The idea that they hold this evidence internally and don't show fans of countries who are playing in tournaments is absolutely ridiculous.' Ian Wright echoed the anger, saying: 'With the semi-automatic line, why haven't we seen that? We actually don't need to see it, we see it in the Premier League every week, he looks offside, I just don't understand it. They do what they want, they're sitting in the office. It's a scandal.' Commentator Lee Dixon also believed Freuler had strayed offside, saying: 'For the run, just there, he's offside. This won't count.' After the decision, he added: 'There must be something wrong with my monitor.' Before the tournament, Fifa had promoted its new semi-automated offside system, which scanned every player to create unique avatars. The system was supposed to provide the most accurate illustrations of offside decisions. The delay in releasing the evidence, Neville argued, feeds conspiracy theories. 'If there is one thing that is guaranteed to create doubt it is delay,' he said. BBC Sport has attempted to get clarification from Fifa but as yet it has not been forthcoming. The controversy is the latest refereeing flashpoint at the 2026 World Cup, following two contentious red cards in the opening game between South Africa and Mexico.