FIFA dismisses Norway complaint over Bellingham goal as England reach first World Cup semi-final since 2018
FIFA says ball sensor data did not show contact with stadium camera cable after Jude Bellingham's equaliser sent England to the World Cup semis with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in Miami.
The controversial equaliser
Norway took the lead after 36 minutes when Andreas Schjelderup scored, and they held that advantage deep into first-half stoppage time. Then came the moment that would dominate the post-match debate. From his own area, goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland aimed a goal kick towards the halfway line. The ball was collected by England’s Anthony Gordon, and his quick pass found Jude Bellingham, who fired home the equaliser in the 45+2 minute. Immediately Norway’s players protested. Nyland sprinted to French referee Clément Turpin, pointing upward, adamant the ball had brushed a Spidercam cable suspended over the pitch and changed direction.
The goal should not have counted. Neither the referee nor the VAR saw it. Play should have resumed with a dropped ball.
FIFA responds
The football world body issued a statement on X, declaring that the data at its disposal did not prove a cable touch. The sensor inside the match ball, which is used for example to judge handball situations, registered no deflection at the moment of contact. As a result, the goal stood and the match continued.
Calls for VAR intervention
Former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg told Fox that the VAR should have reviewed the incident. He insisted that if the ball struck an external object the rules require a stoppage and a dropped ball, not a restart from the goal kick.
When the ball touches an object that is not part of the field, play must be stopped.
Pundit Mladen Petric echoed that view, arguing the equaliser should have been ruled out.
Bellingham completes the turnaround
Tempers did not cool. In the third minute of extra time, Bellingham struck again, completing a 2‑1 victory that sends England to a World Cup semi-final for the first time since 2018. Norway, who had reached the last eight for the first time in their history, were eliminated in agonising fashion.
- Andreas Schjelderup puts Norway ahead 1‑0
- Jude Bellingham equalises; Norway protests alleged Spidercam contact
- Bellingham scores the winning goal to send England through
Aftermath and frustration
After the match, Alfie Haaland, father of striker Erling Haaland, offered a terse comment that mixed grudging respect for the scorer with bitterness towards the match officials.
Well done Bellingham and referee.
The fallout guarantees that the Spidercam issue will be debated long after England’s semi-final appearance is settled.
