VAR Drama in the Gold Cup Final

The Concacaf Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico was a thrilling encounter, but it was marred by a controversial VAR decision that left USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino fuming. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Mexico, but the turning point came in the 66th minute when a potential handball by Mexico defender Jorge Sánchez was overlooked by both the referee and the VAR.

The Incident

With the score tied at 1-1, Sánchez appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area. Despite clear replays showing the incident, the referee and VAR decided against awarding a penalty. Pochettino was quick to express his frustration, stating, "The truth was that if that happened in the opposite half, in the other box, for sure it's a penalty."

VAR Review

The handball law has become increasingly complex, with many exemptions hidden in the guidance to officials rather than in the Laws of the Game. Referees must consider whether the hand or arm touches the ball while supporting the body during a fall. However, this does not give defenders carte blanche to touch the ball deliberately.

Similar Cases

This incident is reminiscent of other controversial handball decisions, such as Martin Ødegaard's handball against Liverpool in December 2023 and José María Giménez's handball at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Both cases involved defenders touching the ball while falling, and both were initially not given as penalties, leading to widespread debate.

Conclusion

The VAR's decision not to award a penalty in the Gold Cup final has sparked significant controversy. While the rules are complex, the incident highlights the need for clearer guidelines and consistency in VAR decisions. The USMNT's loss to Mexico will undoubtedly be remembered for this pivotal moment, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the effectiveness of VAR in crucial matches.