Panaji: A controversy erupted during the FIFA World Cup qualifier match between India and Qatar on Tuesday. Qatar was awarded a goal in the 73rd minute, despite the ball visibly going out of play. At that time, India was leading 1-0.
The incident began when Qatar's Abdullah Alahrak took a free-kick. Yousef Aymen attempted a header, and Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved it. However, while Sandhu was still on the ground, the ball appeared to cross the line. Hashmi Hussein kicked the ball back into play, allowing Aymen to score. Despite the ball having gone out of play, which should have led to a corner kick, the referee awarded the goal to Qatar. The Indian players protested strongly, but the decision stood, causing significant frustration.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, especially as Qatar came back to win the game 2-1, eliminating India from the qualifiers. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey issued a statement after the match, revealing that the federation has written to both FIFA and the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), urging them to investigate.
"Victory and defeat are part of the game, and we accept them gracefully. However, one of the goals against India raised several questions. We have written to FIFA and AFC officials about the error that cost us a place in the next round of qualifiers," Chaubey stated. "We call for a thorough investigation and urge the officials to consider possible sporting compensation for the injustice. We trust that FIFA and the AFC will take necessary steps."
According to the rules, "the ball is out of play if it has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air."
India's coach Igor Stimac expressed his dismay, stating that the "irregular" goal dashed his team's hopes. Sandhu called the outcome "unfortunate" and said it showed that "no one will hand us anything; we have to take it."
