Keith Hackett blasts VAR for ’huge error’ in Switzerland’s draw vs Qatar

Switzerland were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Qatar on Saturday in the 2026 World Cup, but the decision to award Murat Yakin’s side a penalty overshadowed the match.

After 17 minutes, the Swiss were awarded a spot kick when Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada took down Bologna star Remo Freuler inside the box.

There was little question that the challenge was a foul, but Breel Embolo’s header down to Freuler to create the chance appeared to be offside when examining the replays.

Yet, VAR quickly confirmed the decision, which allowed Embolo to convert from the penalty spot at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, FIFA have not released any images to prove that Freuler was onside when the ball was played to him that led to the foul.

As a result, Keith Hackett has slammed both FIFA and VAR for what was seemingly a huge error on the world stage.

Keith Hackett: VAR made a huge error by giving Switzerland penalty vs Qatar

The offside decision was confirmed by FIFA’s semi-automated system that was upgraded for this World Cup.

FIFA also created AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player at the tournament to enhance the semi-automated offside technology.

However, unlike the Premier League, no images showcasing why Freuler was onside have been released, which has led to Hackett slamming the tournament’s transparency.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-PGMOL chief believes that a terrible error has now occurred, and Switzerland should not have been given the penalty.

He said: “So FIFA promised transparency on the new technology that detects offside positions.

“Qatar have every right to be very disappointed that the Swiss goal was allowed.

“Video replays clearly show a player in active play in an offside position, and this goal should not have counted.

“A huge error, and frankly, technology was not required to see that the Swiss player was offside.

“FIFA, we await your explanation - was there a breakdown in the communication system between the VAR based in Dallas and the on-field officials?”

What was Gary Neville’s take on the controversial Swiss penalty?

Hackett was not the only person who was baffled that the Switzerland penalty stood.

During the half-time break, Gary Neville was quick to slam the lack of images to prove that the world that the decision was the right one.

Speaking to ITV, the former Manchester United star also felt that Freuler was offside.

He said: “We all think it here [that it was offside]. Everybody at home thinks it. FIFA is the host broadcaster, and they have the semi-automatic decision that they can show us.

"There is a massive question over that because it is offside in my eyes until they prove me different.”