VAR Controversies at Euro 2025: A Deep Dive into Key Decisions

Explore the most contentious VAR decisions at Euro 2025, analyzing key moments that shaped the tournament and sparked debates among fans and experts.

1. The Penalty Awarded Despite Offside

In the Norway vs. Italy match, Ada Hegerberg was awarded a penalty despite being offside. The VAR upheld the decision, citing that the foul occurred before Hegerberg became active. This rare application of the offside law left many fans puzzled.

2. Confusing Offside Call in France vs. England

Alessia Russo's goal for England was disallowed after a VAR review showed Beth Mead was marginally offside. The semi-automated offside technology highlighted Mead's upper arm and toe as offside, but the decision sparked confusion due to the tight margin.

3. The Header That Reset Offside

In England's match against the Netherlands, Leah Williamson was deemed offside after Sherida Spitse's header. The VAR ruled that Spitse's header was not a controlled play, thus the offside phase continued. This decision highlighted the subjective nature of the 'deliberate play' rule.

4. The Lengthy Penalty Review

Denmark's penalty against Sweden was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. The referee initially awarded a penalty but reversed the decision after reviewing the trip by Stine Ballisager Pedersen. This incident underscored the need for quicker VAR interventions.

5. Goal Disallowed Due to Offside Impact

France's goal against Germany was disallowed after Maëlle Lakrar was found to have impacted the goalkeeper from an offside position. This decision reinforced the importance of players' positioning affecting the goalkeeper's ability to play the ball.

6. Semi-Automated Offside Technology Failure

In the Portugal vs. Italy match, Diana Silva's goal was disallowed after the VAR manually drew the offside lines. The semi-automated offside technology failed to distinguish Silva's position, leading to a delay in the decision.

7. The Double-Touch Penalty Retake

In the Euro 2025 final, Beth Mead's penalty was retaken after she double-touched the ball. The VAR ruled that the first attempt was invalid, and Mead missed the retake. This incident highlighted the evolving nature of penalty rules.

8. Hair Pull Leads to Red Card and Penalty

Germany's Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for pulling Griedge Mbock's hair, resulting in a penalty for France. This incident showcased VAR's ability to spot subtle fouls that might be missed by the on-field officials.

9. Free Kick Upgraded to Penalty

In England's match against Wales, Georgia Stanway was awarded a penalty after a VAR review upgraded a free-kick decision. The review confirmed the foul occurred inside the box, leading to a penalty that Stanway converted.

10. Chip in the Ball Saves Denmark

Germany's penalty against Denmark was overturned after the chip in the ball detected the handball occurred outside the area. This technology ensured the correct decision was made, showcasing the advancements in football officiating.

11. The Perfect Block Move

Switzerland's goal against Iceland was disallowed after a VAR review showed Svenja Fölmli had fouled an opponent. This decision emphasized the importance of fair play in goal-scoring opportunities.

12. The Challenge That Left Russo Furious

In France's match against England, Alessia Russo claimed she was fouled before France scored. The VAR upheld the on-field decision, ruling that Maëlle Lakrar's challenge was fair. This incident highlighted the fine margins in refereeing decisions.

What to Read Next

Viktor Gyökeres Embraces Arsenal's No. 14 Shirt with Confidence and Ambition
Football

Viktor Gyökeres Embraces Arsenal's No. 14 Shirt with Confidence and Ambition

Viktor Gyökeres steps into Arsenal's No. 14 shirt, embracing the legacy of Thierry Henry with confidence and ambition to lead the Gunners to Premier League glory.

August Transfer Frenzy: Soccer's Summer Window Heats Up
Football

August Transfer Frenzy: Soccer's Summer Window Heats Up

As August approaches, the soccer transfer window is set to explode with activity. Discover why this month is crucial for clubs and players alike.

Euro 2025 Hidden Gems: Top Underrated Players Poised for Summer Transfers
Football

Euro 2025 Hidden Gems: Top Underrated Players Poised for Summer Transfers

Discover the underrated stars of Euro 2025 who could make significant moves this summer, showcasing their skills and potential in international football.

South American Stars Who Leveraged the Club World Cup for European Transfers
Football

South American Stars Who Leveraged the Club World Cup for European Transfers

Discover how South American players used the Club World Cup as a springboard to secure moves to top European football clubs.

ASEAN U-23 Championship 2025: Full Schedule, Live Streaming, and Key Highlights
Football

ASEAN U-23 Championship 2025: Full Schedule, Live Streaming, and Key Highlights

The 2025 ASEAN U-23 Championship in Indonesia features top Southeast Asian teams competing for glory. Catch live action, results, and standings here.

England's Miraculous Euro 2025 Victory: Defying Odds Against Spain
Football

England's Miraculous Euro 2025 Victory: Defying Odds Against Spain

England's thrilling Euro 2025 win over Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout, highlighted by Chloe Kelly's decisive goal, defies all logic and cements their legacy.

Spain's Euro 2025 Journey: Heartbreak and Hope for the Future
Football

Spain's Euro 2025 Journey: Heartbreak and Hope for the Future

Spain's valiant run at Euro 2025 ended in heartbreak, but the team's performance offers hope for future triumphs in women's football.

Euro 2025 Highlights: Best Matches, Goals, Players, and Team of the Tournament
Football

Euro 2025 Highlights: Best Matches, Goals, Players, and Team of the Tournament

Relive the unforgettable moments of Euro 2025, from England's dramatic victory to Spain's dominance, and discover the standout players and matches that defined the tournament.

Real Madrid's Pursuit of William Saliba and Latest Football Transfer News
Football

Real Madrid's Pursuit of William Saliba and Latest Football Transfer News

Stay updated with the latest football transfer news, including Real Madrid's interest in Arsenal's William Saliba and Al Hilal's offer for Alexander Isak.

Sarina Wiegman: The Mastermind Behind England's Historic Euro 2025 Final Run
Football

Sarina Wiegman: The Mastermind Behind England's Historic Euro 2025 Final Run

Discover how Sarina Wiegman has led England to their fifth consecutive major tournament final in Euro 2025, showcasing her unparalleled coaching skills and team unity.

Euro 2025 Final Showdown: England vs. Spain - Tactical Insights, Key Players, and Predictions
Football

Euro 2025 Final Showdown: England vs. Spain - Tactical Insights, Key Players, and Predictions

Preview of the Euro 2025 final between England and Spain, featuring tactical insights, key players to watch, and expert predictions.

Spain's Redemption Journey: Euro 2025 Final Against England
Football

Spain's Redemption Journey: Euro 2025 Final Against England

Spain aims to overcome past controversies and claim their first Euro title in a historic final against England at Euro 2025.

Top Transfers and Rumors: Manchester United's Striker Hunt and More in the 2025 Summer Window
Football

Top Transfers and Rumors: Manchester United's Striker Hunt and More in the 2025 Summer Window

Explore the latest updates on Manchester United's striker search, Kolo Muani's potential move, and other major transfer rumors in the 2025 summer window.

Liverpool Eyes Anthony Gordon as Potential Replacement for Luis Diaz: Latest Transfer Rumors and News
Football

Liverpool Eyes Anthony Gordon as Potential Replacement for Luis Diaz: Latest Transfer Rumors and News

Liverpool is considering Newcastle's Anthony Gordon as a replacement for Luis Diaz. Stay updated with the latest football transfer rumors and news.

Arsenal's Pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres: A Transfer Saga Nearing Its End
Football

Arsenal's Pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres: A Transfer Saga Nearing Its End

The long-awaited transfer of Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal is finally nearing completion. Discover the reasons behind the delay and what this means for the Gunners.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.