The All India Football Federation on Wednesday released a strong statement after India’s last 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification game against Qatar. AIFF in its statement condemned the wrong decision of the referee that led to India conceding the first goal against Qatar. AIFF said it has written to the FIFA Head of Qualifiers, the AFC Head of Referees, the AFC Head of Competitions, and the Match Commissioner for the game to launch an investigation into the matter.
AIFF aggrieved by Qatar’s first goal
“While victory and defeat are a part and parcel of the game, and we have learned to accept it gracefully, one of the two goals scored against India yesterday night left a few questions unanswered. We, after the game against Qatar, in consultation with our Chief Refereeing Officer, decided to write to the FIFA Head of Qualifiers, the AFC Head of Referees, the AFC Head of Competitions, and the Match Commissioner for the game, requesting them to look into the grave supervision error caused during the game that practically cost us a place in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 3,” AIFF said in it’s statement.
“Given it’s severity, we have respectfully requested all concerned officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Furthermore, we have urged them to explore the possibilities of sporting compensation to address the injustice. Ensuring the integrity of the game is paramount, we truly trust that the FIFA and the AFC will take necessary steps in this regard,” AIFF added.
More News
India denied entry into 3rd qualification round of FIFA WC
India had their qualification to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers within their grasp as they led 1-0 against Asian champions Qatar till the 73rd minute. But Youssef Aymen of Qatar scored an equalizer under questionable circumstances, sparking controversy. The controversial goal came after Indian captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stopped an Aymen header.
But Sandhu’s legs allowed the ball to slip through, and it rolled out of play. While the Indian defenders were setting up for a corner kick, Qatari forward Al Hassan made a dubious move by pulling the ball back from behind the line and squaring it to Aymen, who slotted it into the net.
In spite of repeated appeals, the goal stood as another Qatar goal in the 85th minute sealed India’s faith.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
"Started playing cricket for money": Sajana Sajeevan sheds light on turning point that propelled her to India debut
Top Stories
