AIFF Demands Probe into Qatar’s Controversial Goal Against India in FIFA World Cup Qualifier

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has lodged a formal complaint with the match commissioner, demanding a thorough investigation into a highly contentious goal awarded to Qatar during their crucial World Cup qualifier in Doha.

The incident, which saw a Qatari player score after the ball clearly went out of play, sparked outrage and dashed India’s hopes of reaching the third round of the qualifiers for the first time ever.

“We have filed a complaint and are seeking a full investigation into this matter,” declared an AIFF official. The match commissioner, Hamed Momeni of Iran, is responsible for overseeing match organization and ensuring adherence to FIFA regulations.

The disputed goal occurred in the 73rd minute. Following a free-kick from Abdullah Alahrak, Yousef Ayem attempted a header that was saved by Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. However, with Sandhu grounded and the ball visibly crossing the byline, Hashmi Hussein of Qatar played it back into play, allowing Aymen to slot it home.

According to the Laws of the Game, “the ball is out of play if it wholly passes over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air.” This would have resulted in a corner kick for India, as Sandhu was the last player to touch the ball before it went out. However, referee Kim Woo-Sung of South Korea inexplicably awarded the goal to Qatar, despite vehement protests from the Indian team.

The controversial decision left India coach Igor Stimac deeply disappointed, stating that the “irregular” goal shattered his team’s World Cup dreams. Goalkeeper Sandhu, while acknowledging the “unfortunate result,” said that India needs to fight for their victories.