FIFA is under scrutiny for withholding video assistant referee (VAR) footage related to a contentious penalty decision during the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Qatar and Switzerland, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The decision centers around a potential offside call prior to the penalty awarded to Switzerland. Critics are questioning FIFA’s transparency, as the semi-automated offside technology’s images were not released for public review. This lack of access to the footage has fueled debate about the fairness of the call and the application of the VAR system. FIFA has not yet provided a public explanation for why the images were not disclosed. The incident raises concerns about accountability and the potential for bias in officiating at the World Cup. This decision could prompt further calls for greater transparency in the use of VAR technology in international football.