Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Why is there no goal-line technology or VAR for World Cup qualifiers?

Cristiano Ronaldo was left seething when a stoppage-time goal he rightfully scored was disallowed by the referee during a World Cup 2022 qualifier with Portugal against Serbia.

The ball had clearly made it past the line before being cleared, but VAR and goal-line technology were not implemented in the game.

The disallowed goal denied the victory for Portugal, who had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Ronaldo was visibly frustrated with the decision not to award the goal, storming off the pitch and throwing his captain's armband to the ground.

Editors' Picks

Why do the World Cup 2022 qualification matches not have VAR?