VAR Controversies at Euro 2025: A Deep Dive into Key Decisions

Explore the most contentious VAR decisions at Euro 2025, analyzing key moments that shaped the tournament and sparked debates among fans and experts.

1. The Penalty Awarded Despite Offside

In the Norway vs. Italy match, Ada Hegerberg was awarded a penalty despite being offside. The VAR upheld the decision, citing that the foul occurred before Hegerberg became active. This rare application of the offside law left many fans puzzled.

2. Confusing Offside Call in France vs. England

Alessia Russo's goal for England was disallowed after a VAR review showed Beth Mead was marginally offside. The semi-automated offside technology highlighted Mead's upper arm and toe as offside, but the decision sparked confusion due to the tight margin.

3. The Header That Reset Offside

In England's match against the Netherlands, Leah Williamson was deemed offside after Sherida Spitse's header. The VAR ruled that Spitse's header was not a controlled play, thus the offside phase continued. This decision highlighted the subjective nature of the 'deliberate play' rule.

4. The Lengthy Penalty Review

Denmark's penalty against Sweden was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. The referee initially awarded a penalty but reversed the decision after reviewing the trip by Stine Ballisager Pedersen. This incident underscored the need for quicker VAR interventions.

5. Goal Disallowed Due to Offside Impact

France's goal against Germany was disallowed after Maëlle Lakrar was found to have impacted the goalkeeper from an offside position. This decision reinforced the importance of players' positioning affecting the goalkeeper's ability to play the ball.

6. Semi-Automated Offside Technology Failure

In the Portugal vs. Italy match, Diana Silva's goal was disallowed after the VAR manually drew the offside lines. The semi-automated offside technology failed to distinguish Silva's position, leading to a delay in the decision.

7. The Double-Touch Penalty Retake

In the Euro 2025 final, Beth Mead's penalty was retaken after she double-touched the ball. The VAR ruled that the first attempt was invalid, and Mead missed the retake. This incident highlighted the evolving nature of penalty rules.

8. Hair Pull Leads to Red Card and Penalty

Germany's Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for pulling Griedge Mbock's hair, resulting in a penalty for France. This incident showcased VAR's ability to spot subtle fouls that might be missed by the on-field officials.

9. Free Kick Upgraded to Penalty

In England's match against Wales, Georgia Stanway was awarded a penalty after a VAR review upgraded a free-kick decision. The review confirmed the foul occurred inside the box, leading to a penalty that Stanway converted.

10. Chip in the Ball Saves Denmark

Germany's penalty against Denmark was overturned after the chip in the ball detected the handball occurred outside the area. This technology ensured the correct decision was made, showcasing the advancements in football officiating.

11. The Perfect Block Move

Switzerland's goal against Iceland was disallowed after a VAR review showed Svenja Fölmli had fouled an opponent. This decision emphasized the importance of fair play in goal-scoring opportunities.

12. The Challenge That Left Russo Furious

In France's match against England, Alessia Russo claimed she was fouled before France scored. The VAR upheld the on-field decision, ruling that Maëlle Lakrar's challenge was fair. This incident highlighted the fine margins in refereeing decisions.

What to Read Next

Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool's Rising Star Set to Shine in the 2025 Premier League Season
Football

Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool's Rising Star Set to Shine in the 2025 Premier League Season

Discover how 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha is making waves at Liverpool with his exceptional skills and potential impact in the upcoming Premier League season.

Sheffield Wednesday Crisis: Financial Turmoil Threatens Historic Club's Survival
Football

Sheffield Wednesday Crisis: Financial Turmoil Threatens Historic Club's Survival

Sheffield Wednesday, one of England's oldest football clubs, faces an existential crisis due to severe financial mismanagement under owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Why the Premier League is the Ultimate Test for High-Priced Foreign Players
Football

Why the Premier League is the Ultimate Test for High-Priced Foreign Players

Exploring why the Premier League remains the most challenging league for foreign players, backed by data and expert analysis.

Top Football Clubs and Players of 2024-25: Insights from ESPN FC 100
Football

Top Football Clubs and Players of 2024-25: Insights from ESPN FC 100

Discover the top football clubs and players of the 2024-25 season as per ESPN FC 100, featuring insights on Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and major transfers.

Summer Transfers and Tactical Shifts: Can Europe's Top Clubs Reclaim Glory in 2025-26?
Football

Summer Transfers and Tactical Shifts: Can Europe's Top Clubs Reclaim Glory in 2025-26?

An in-depth analysis of how Europe's top football clubs are addressing last season's shortcomings through summer transfers and tactical changes.

Top Football Transfer Rumors: Greenwood to Inter, Garnacho Eyes Chelsea Move
Football

Top Football Transfer Rumors: Greenwood to Inter, Garnacho Eyes Chelsea Move

Latest football transfer news: Internazionale considers Mason Greenwood, while Alejandro Garnacho aims for Chelsea. Stay updated with the hottest rumors and deals.

Summer Transfer Frenzy: AC Milan Targets Liverpool's Darwin Núñez Amid Global Rumors
Football

Summer Transfer Frenzy: AC Milan Targets Liverpool's Darwin Núñez Amid Global Rumors

Explore the latest transfer news as AC Milan eyes Liverpool's Darwin Núñez and other global football rumors shaping the summer window.

The Untapped Market: Why Elite Goalkeepers Like Donnarumma Face Unique Transfer Challenges
Football

The Untapped Market: Why Elite Goalkeepers Like Donnarumma Face Unique Transfer Challenges

Exploring the unique challenges elite goalkeepers face in the transfer market, focusing on Gianluigi Donnarumma and other top talents.

Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: A Roadblock to Premier League Success
Football

Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: A Roadblock to Premier League Success

An in-depth analysis of Manchester United's flawed transfer approach and its impact on their Premier League ambitions.

How Matheus Cunha's £62.5m Transfer to Man United Redefined Premier League Spending
Football

How Matheus Cunha's £62.5m Transfer to Man United Redefined Premier League Spending

Explore how Matheus Cunha's £62.5m move to Manchester United set a new benchmark for Premier League transfer fees, influencing summer spending across top clubs.

Viktor Gyökeres Embraces Arsenal's No. 14 Shirt with Confidence and Ambition
Football

Viktor Gyökeres Embraces Arsenal's No. 14 Shirt with Confidence and Ambition

Viktor Gyökeres steps into Arsenal's No. 14 shirt, embracing the legacy of Thierry Henry with confidence and ambition to lead the Gunners to Premier League glory.

August Transfer Frenzy: Soccer's Summer Window Heats Up
Football

August Transfer Frenzy: Soccer's Summer Window Heats Up

As August approaches, the soccer transfer window is set to explode with activity. Discover why this month is crucial for clubs and players alike.

Euro 2025 Hidden Gems: Top Underrated Players Poised for Summer Transfers
Football

Euro 2025 Hidden Gems: Top Underrated Players Poised for Summer Transfers

Discover the underrated stars of Euro 2025 who could make significant moves this summer, showcasing their skills and potential in international football.

South American Stars Who Leveraged the Club World Cup for European Transfers
Football

South American Stars Who Leveraged the Club World Cup for European Transfers

Discover how South American players used the Club World Cup as a springboard to secure moves to top European football clubs.

ASEAN U-23 Championship 2025: Full Schedule, Live Streaming, and Key Highlights
Football

ASEAN U-23 Championship 2025: Full Schedule, Live Streaming, and Key Highlights

The 2025 ASEAN U-23 Championship in Indonesia features top Southeast Asian teams competing for glory. Catch live action, results, and standings here.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.