France are poised to file a complaint to FIFA after Antoine Griezmann’s dramatic late equaliser against Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup was disallowed following a VAR review.
Griezmann thought he’d rescued a point for the reigning world champions in the eighth and final minute of stoppage time.
The Atletico Madrid forward converted from close range after the ball fell kindly to him inside the box.
That appeared to be the final action of the game, but more drama was about to unfold.
Referee Matthew Conger was invited to review the goal on his pitch-side monitor as he and the VAR team determined whether Tunisia defender Montassar Talbi had made a ‘deliberate play’ in heading the ball into Griezmann’s path.
Griezmann was in an offside position when Aurelien Tchouameni played the initial cross and the goal was subsequently disallowed.
#Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 #TUNFRA
VAR says no goal ❌❌❌
Antoine Griezmann disallowed goal against Tunisia. Well done Tunisia on beating the current champion.
FT: 🇹🇳1-0🇫🇷pic.twitter.com/HkLTY0QUE9— Iris (@Iris4231) November 30, 2022
However, the full-time whistle could clearly be heard before Conger went over to his pitch-side monitor.
Why did this breach IFAB’s VAR protocol?
According to various outlets, including The Athletic, reviewing an incident after the final whistle has been blown is in breach of IFAB’s VAR protocol.
They state: “If play has stopped and been restarted, the referee may not undertake a ‘review’ except for a case of mistaken identity or for a potential sending-off offence relating to violent conduct, spitting, biting or extremely offensive, insulting and/or abusive action(s).”
Breaking | Antoine Griezmann’s equaliser vs Tunisia being ruled out was in contravention of FIFA rules which affirm that a goal cannot be disallowed, by VAR or other means, after kick-off is taken, as it was in this case. (RMC)
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 30, 2022
Video: Was the Final whistle blown before VAR review?
Footage has also been posted to social media which appears to confirm that the final whistle had already been blown before Conger reviewed Griezmann’s goal.
Watch the video here:
Il y a bien eu reprise du jeu !#TUNFRA #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/WaMhh28ioi
— Philippe Malige (@PhilippeMalige) November 30, 2022
What have the French Football Federation said?
In a statement released on Tuesday night, the French Football Federation (FFF) said: “We are writing a complaint after Antoine Griezmann’s goal was, in our opinion, wrongly disallowed.
“This complaint has to be filed within 24 hours after the final whistle.”
The Athletic, who have contacted FIFA for comment, say the FFF have not specified whether the complaint was over the goal itself or because it was ruled out after the full-time whistle.
France still finished top of Group D, despite their surprise 1-0 defeat against Tunisia, and will now face Poland in the Round of 16 this weekend.
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