Croatian football players have voiced their dissatisfaction with FIFA and match officials after their elimination from the World Cup. The team believes a rule related to the game ball should have favored them.
A controversial moment occurred in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol scored a goal that was later disallowed. This decision followed a review by the Video Assistant Referee VAR.
The VAR determined that Igor Matanovic, a Croatian teammate, had headed the ball to another player who was in an offside position. This indirect involvement led to the disallowance of Gvardiol's goal.
The players feel that the technology used in the World Cup match balls played a role in the outcome. Specifically, they are questioning the 'Snicko' technology integrated into the balls.
This technology provides data that assists referees and VAR officials in making split-second decisions. However, the Croatian team suggests it may have contributed to an incorrect call.
Their exit from the tournament has led to strong reactions from the players. They maintain that crucial decisions, potentially influenced by the ball technology, cost them their World Cup hopes.
The specific rule in question relates to offside decisions based on ball trajectory and player interaction. The team argues this rule was applied unfairly.
FIFA has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the Croatian team's specific complaints regarding the ball technology.