During the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between England and Norway in Miami on Saturday, attention turned to a first-half stoppage-time incident in which the ball appeared to strike an overhead wire moments before Jude Bellingham scored the decisive goal for England.
The episode drew comparisons to a similar event during an NFL game in England last season, when a field-goal attempt by Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard seemingly hit an overhead cable. The NFL initially indicated there was no clear view of contact and subsequently attributed the appearance to an optical illusion.
Citing ESPN, FIFA has asserted there is “no evidence” that the ball made contact with any foreign object. According to the laws of the game, officials must stop play and restart with a drop ball if such interference is recognized. Because the moment went unnoticed, England maintained possession and soon converted the opportunity.
FIFA issued a statement explaining: “Before England’s goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the ‘heartbeat of the ball’ when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball.”
Broadcast footage of the sequence shows the ball altering its trajectory abruptly, fueling discussion among spectators. Nevertheless, FIFA maintains that onboard sensor telemetry does not support the claim of wire interference.
Also Read
- Tammy Beaumont’s Career Concludes with Golden Duck in Final Innings
- MLB insider suggests Tony Vitello could revert to college coaching after tumultuous Giants season
- NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi Extends Training Invitation to Veteran Axe Wang
- Wimbledon Final: Sinner Faces Zverev in Championship Match
