**FIFA Launches Review of Controversial Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace VAR Decision After Club Complaint**
FIFA has officially opened an investigation into the controversial VAR decision that allowed Crystal Palace to score an equalizing goal in their recent 2-2 draw against Leicester City. This comes after Leicester City lodged a formal complaint with the Premier League, citing what they believe to be an error in the application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
The dispute centers on a goal by Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, initially flagged offside but later allowed after a VAR review. Leicester manager Steve Cooper criticized the VAR system, arguing that the moment of ball contact was incorrectly timed during the review, leading to an inaccurate offside ruling.
FIFA’s involvement comes as VAR decisions continue to generate controversy across leagues. While the Premier League’s officiating body, PGMOL, has maintained that the decision followed proper protocol, FIFA’s review could lead to changes in how VAR is applied or even an overhaul of the specific match decision.
Leicester City is seeking transparency, requesting that FIFA release the evidence used to justify the goal’s approval. Depending on the outcome, this investigation could have significant implications for the use of VAR in the Premier League going forward.
