Referee Alireza Faghani walked to the pitchside monitor, watched the replay of Sadio Mane's challenge on Kylian Mbappe, and then signalled for a goal-kick – a decision that left the world's best referees baffled and French fans furious. At the 2026 World Cup in New York, a seemingly clear penalty was denied after a VAR review, reigniting a debate that has followed the technology since its introduction.
VAR – short for Video Assistant Referee – is a system designed to help on-field referees correct clear and obvious errors in four match-changing situations: goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. A team of video officials in a control room reviews footage from multiple camera angles and can recommend that the referee conduct an on-field review (OFR) at a pitchside monitor. The final decision always rests with the on-field referee. In the France vs Senegal match, Faghani was advised by VAR to look at Mane's challenge, but after watching the replay, he decided that Mbappe had initiated contact – a view that was met with widespread disbelief.
“How VAR works in football and why penalty decisions like Mbappe's still cause controversy, explained for UK readers.”
Controversy is not new to VAR. It was introduced in top-level football to reduce human error, but it has frequently been criticised for inconsistent application and for prolonging delays. Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game states that a penalty is awarded for careless, reckless, or excessive force challenges; the subjective interpretation of “initiating contact” has led many to question whether the technology is being used as intended. The incident in New York was a textbook example – as former assistant referee Darren Cann told the BBC, “My phone has blown up with messages from several of the world's best referees who also can't understand why a penalty wasn't given.” Alan Shearer, watching for BBC One, called it “bizarre”, while Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live described the explanation as “the most nonsensical line I have ever heard.”
For UK readers, VAR is a familiar source of frustration. Since its introduction to the Premier League in 2019, it has sparked endless debate about interference with the flow of the game, the erosion of the referee's authority, and the fairness of match outcomes – debates that peak around major tournaments like the World Cup. When England's domestic league and international stars are involved, every controversial decision is scrutinised by millions. The Mbappe incident shows that even when the technology is used correctly (the referee did review the incident), the outcome can still feel wrong, undermining trust in the system.
Q: What does VAR actually check during a match? VAR can only be used for four types of decisions: goals (checking for offside, fouls, handball), penalties (whether the contact is a foul), direct red cards (serious foul play, violent conduct), and mistaken identity (when the wrong player is booked or sent off). The VAR team monitors the match and can only recommend a review if there is a “clear and obvious error” or a “serious missed incident”.
Q: Why did the referee overturn his initial decision to award a penalty to Mbappe? After the challenge by Sadio Mane, referee Alireza Faghani initially pointed to the penalty spot, but then – after a VAR review – he changed his mind and awarded a goal-kick. He explained that Mbappe had initiated the contact by putting his leg forward. The decision was heavily criticised by pundits and former referees, who argued that no player should be penalised for being in front of an opponent who lunges into a tackle.
Q: Does VAR make refereeing more accurate or worse? Opinions are divided. Studies in some leagues have shown an increase in correct decisions for clear-cut errors, but the subjective nature of fouls means that many incidents remain open to interpretation. Critics say VAR slows the game and creates new controversies, while supporters argue it catches clear mistakes that would otherwise go unpunished. The Mbappe penalty call shows that even after a review, different experts can disagree – Darren Cann said it was “a clear penalty”, while the referee saw it as a fair challenge.
What happens next for VAR could depend on the reaction to incidents like this one. FIFA has not announced any immediate rule changes, but the International Football Association Board (IFAB) continually reviews the protocol. The 2026 World Cup will continue to use VAR, and further controversies are likely. For now, the technology remains as divisive as ever – a tool that was meant to end arguments but often seems to create new ones.