Football - FA Premier League - Liverpool FC v Nottingham Forest FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 22, 2025: Liverpool s goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2025-11-22-Liverpool_Nottingham_Forest-44
Norway believed they had taken a decisive lead in their World Cup quarter-final against England before a new FIFA rule intervened.
The game was locked at 1-1 when Torbjorn Heggem knocked the ball into the net from a corner kick to give Norway what appeared to be a 2-1 advantage.
However, the VAR team stepped in quickly to overturn the goal, sending the match back to level terms and sparking furious debate.
Erling Haaland was adjudged to have bundled over Elliot Andersen before the ball was whipped into the box, directly leading to the disallowance.
Under previous IFAB laws, the goal would have stood because the foul occurred before the ball was returned into play from the corner.
FIFA and IFAB introduced a new set of clarifications ahead of the 2026 World Cup specifically designed to crack down on physical tussling at set pieces.
The official clarification stated: “The IFAB has approved a clarification to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction.”
The rule further outlined that if such an offence is identified, the VAR will recommend an on-field review, after which the corner or free kick will simply be retaken.
IFAB also confirmed that the clarification will be reviewed following the 2026 FIFA World Cup before any decision on its potential broader application is made.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was visibly bemused by the protests surrounding the decision, even as his side received the crucial let-off to stay in the match.
Norway were awarded another corner kick following the ruling, giving England’s defence a second opportunity to clear their lines under significant pressure.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to BBC 5 Live, was blunt in his assessment of the Manchester City striker’s unnecessary challenge.
Robinson said: “I don’t know why he did that, Erling Haaland, the way the goal evolved. He wasn’t involved in any shape or form. Haaland has caused the goal to be disallowed for a silly foul.”
Robinson continued: “He had no reason to foul Elliot Andersen, he is the bigger man. He has the beating of him in aerial sense. He has cost his team there, Haaland.”
The incident highlighted how FIFA’s pre-tournament rule changes are having real and dramatic consequences at the sharp end of the competition.
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