Gary Neville Criticizes FIFA for VAR Silence on Penalty Call

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Gary Neville criticized FIFA.

Daily Mail Sports - Gary Neville is a former footballer and current commentator.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - FIFA failed to broadcast a VAR replay of a controversial penalty decision.

Daily Mail Sports - Switzerland was awarded a penalty during a World Cup match against Qatar.

Daily Mail Sports - The penalty was given when Remo Freuler was brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The incident occurred during a World Cup clash between Switzerland and Qatar.

WHY:

Daily Mail Sports - Gary Neville described FIFA's actions as a "dictatorship" and called the situation "absolutely ridiculous."

HOW:

Daily Mail Sports - Neville accused FIFA of a VAR cover-up regarding the penalty decision.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 23:20 UTC)

Gary Neville has criticized FIFA for failing to broadcast a VAR replay of a controversial penalty decision during a World Cup match between Switzerland and Qatar, where Switzerland was awarded a penalty after Remo Freuler was brought down by Qatar's goalkeeper, Mahmoud Abunada. In his remarks, Neville described FIFA's actions as a "dictatorship" and labeled the situation "absolutely ridiculous," accusing the organization of a VAR cover-up regarding the penalty. The incident has sparked significant discussion among fans and commentators alike, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency in football officiating.