Ex-refs chief re-analyses Ivory Coast vs Norway penalty controversy after ‘contact is made’
The Referee was right to not to award Ivory Coast a penalty during their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that there was not enough contact to award a spot kick late on in Tuesday’s game.
A late Erling Haaland goal proved to be enough to knock out the West African side and see Norway progress into the round of 16.
However, before the Manchester City striker’s winner, Ivory Coast had a penalty claim turned down when Nicolas Pepe went down in the box under challenge from Andreas Schjelderup.
These claims were then waved away by referee Jesus Valenzuela, and VAR chose not to get involved.
Now, Hackett has agreed with this decision, with Norway now set to face Brazil in the round of 16.
Not enough contact for Ivory Coast to receive penalty vs Norway
Upon reviewing the footage of the incident, the former referee exclusively told Football Insider: “Not enough for me.
“Contact does take place in football, not a penalty for me in a game where the referee is officiating well.”
As a result, the Ivory Coast’s 2026 World Cup journey has come to an end after previously progressing from Group E in second place.
However, it remains to be seen if Norway can overcome Brazil in the round of 16, in what is set to be a mouthwatering showdown.
When is Brazil vs Norway?
The round of 16 clash between Norway and Brazil is set to take place on Sunday, 5 July.
The game is set to kick-off at 9pm, taking place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Norway may fancy their chances against Brazil, who struggled to get past Japan in their round of 32 tie on Monday, as a late winner saw them eventually win 2-1 to progress.
However, it will no doubt be a tricky game for both sides, given the quality each nation possesses in its attack.
With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs, Norway could make history, having never got past the round of 16 in the World Cup before.