Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has expressed his support for the use of VAR in football. He proposed that offside decisions should primarily consider the position of a player’s feet rather than other body parts. Bhutia’s comments follow a controversial incident during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, where Croatia’s late equalizer against Portugal was disallowed after a VAR review.
Croatia thought they had scored in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol netted a goal, but it was ruled out for offside. The decision was based on the detection of a slight touch by Croatian forward Igor Matanovic before the ball reached Mario Pasalic. This ruling impacted the match outcome, with Portugal securing a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos.
Reflecting on the scrutiny surrounding offside calls at the World Cup, Bhutia emphasized the importance of technology in reducing controversies. He acknowledged that while VAR may have its own controversies, it ultimately benefits the game by minimizing disputes. Bhutia, part of the expert panel for ZEE5’s FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, stressed the necessity of VAR despite occasional debates.
The ongoing World Cup has seen close offside decisions, with the use of semi-automated offside technology and connected ball data to aid match officials. Proponents argue that this system enhances accuracy, while critics highlight that marginal calls continue to spark discussions. Bhutia also welcomed the introduction of hydration breaks during matches, particularly in challenging weather conditions, as they offer crucial relief to players.
