Gary Neville slams 'absurd' FIFA secrecy after VAR controversy mars Qatar's historic World Cup draw with Switzerland
Qatar earned their first-ever World Cup point with a stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland, but the match was overshadowed by a VAR controversy that drew blistering criticism from Gary Neville.
Dramatic finish
Switzerland took the lead in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted a penalty awarded after a foul by goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada on Remo Freuler. The decision was reviewed by VAR and upheld, though television replays later suggested Freuler might have been offside. Qatar's captain Boualem Khoukhi then headed home a cross from Homam Ahmed in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sparking euphoric celebrations and securing a 1:1 draw.
- 13': Penalty awarded to Switzerland after VAR review of foul on Remo Freuler
- 17': Breel Embolo converts penalty to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead
- 90+4': Boualem Khoukhi heads equaliser, Qatar's first World Cup point
VAR controversy erupts
Former England international and ITV pundit Gary Neville delivered a scathing critique of FIFA during the broadcast. He demanded the governing body release the offside data from its automatic system.
Why aren't they showing it to us? They did it during the last tournament. For me it's offside until proven otherwise. It's reminiscent of a dictatorship—keeping such data to themselves and not showing it to the fans is absolutely absurd.
FIFA's response and Neville's fury
FIFA issued a statement after the match explaining that a brief technical glitch caused the confusion but that the VAR analysis was conducted according to protocol and the lines did not indicate an offside position. Neville's accusation of secrecy nonetheless resonated, as trust in both the governing body and technology remains fragile.
Swiss frustration and group outlook
The draw leaves all four Group B teams with one point after the opening round, following Canada's 1:1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier. Swiss players were visibly disappointed.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel described the late equaliser as "incredibly bitter" and lamented the team's lack of precision in front of goal. Switzerland had 26 shots to Qatar's 7 but failed to kill the game.Every draw is like a defeat for us. This performance wasn't good enough to win.
- Switzerland
- 26 shots
- Qatar
- 7 shots
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui praised his team's mentality.
Qatar next face Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Switzerland meet Bosnia and Canada later in the group stage.We fulfilled one dream by coming here. Now we have another and we will fight for it.
