Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has publicly criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following a contentious penalty decision during a match between Switzerland and Qatar, raising concerns about its effectiveness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Hackett specifically questioned the VAR’s ability to accurately determine offside calls, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the technology’s application. The controversial penalty sparked significant debate amongst fans and analysts. This incident has brought early scrutiny to the VAR system as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Hackett’s criticism highlights potential issues with the consistency and reliability of VAR decisions. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of implementing technology in football officiating. This early controversy could prompt a review of VAR protocols before the tournament begins.