FIFA 'set bar too high' - Keith Hackett re-analyses Croatia vs Ghana penalty controversy

Ante Budimir was extremely unfortunate not to win a penalty during Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the tournament's "high bar" has meant that several incidents have been swept under the rug.

In the 26th minute, with the game still goalless on Saturday, 27 June, the Osasuna centre-forward appeared to be wrestled to the floor inside the penalty area.

Croatia were absolutely desperate for a spot-kick to be awarded against Derrick Luckassen, who would go on to score Ghana's only goal of the game.

Fortunately for Croatia, goals from Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic saw them take all three points and finish second, only to England, in Group L.

However, one former FIFA referee has become concerned by some of the controversial decisions, highlighting some very key differences from Premier League officiating.

Keith Hackett concerned by Croatia-Ghana controversy

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett was adamant that a penalty had been missed, blaming the tournament's new set of rules.

"I have to say that that looks like a penalty kick to me. I think the defender's got his left arm wrapped around," he said.

"There's forward momentum. But if you're going to block somebody, put some power behind that block.

"Then you get into the debate of what's clear and obvious because there's a whole debate here around the bar and how it's been set in this World Cup compared to what we see in the Premier League.

"It's night and day. We're never going to get perfection. I think that's always the case. But I do think when we look at some of the decisions in this World Cup to date, someone has set the bar high.

"And I suggest too high because I think on this one it would have been an ideal situation for the referee to have a second look."

FIFA officials being told to take action

Hackett is far from pleased by the officiating at this summer's tournament, pointing out the lack of action when it comes to playing advantage.

"The referee, within the laws of the game, at that point can determine if the team in possession of the ball that has been fouled has got an advantage," he said to Football Insider.

"Then he can play an advantage. But what we are seeing is we're seeing fouls taking place and nothing happening."

The lack of intervention from referees can even land to serious injuries, as we've seen with Canada's Ismael Kone and Spain's Nico Williams.