The report says the main flashpoint came during Argentina vs Egypt in the round of 16. Egypt’s second goal was disallowed after a foul more than 20 seconds earlier and a considerable distance from where the move ended.
Rae and Green questioned the decision during the broadcast. Green argued that an incident so remote from the goal should not trigger a review, warning that VAR had moved “muito além dos poderes que deveria ter” - far beyond the powers it should have.
That distinction matters. VAR was introduced to correct clear and significant errors, not to reconstruct every attacking sequence frame by frame. The more remote the intervention, the harder it becomes to preserve the authority of the on-field referee.
Rae once viewed video technology as an essential safeguard. He recalled the controversial Thierry Henry handball against the Republic of Ireland in the 2010 World Cup play-off as an example of an error that technology might have prevented.
“Todos dissemos que, se tivéssemos tecnologia, se tivéssemos tecnologia de vídeo, aquilo nunca teria acontecido”, Rae said.
His current position is more nuanced. He reportedly sees the 2018 World Cup as a better template: VAR corrected major mistakes without dominating the rhythm or drama of matches.
“Ainda acho que precisamos dele”, Rae said. “Mas acho que precisamos reduzi-lo.”
The next test for football’s lawmakers is whether they can turn that principle into clear guidance. The debate will continue at the next major tournament, where every intervention will again be judged not only by its accuracy, but by whether it improves the game.