Sport

NZ ref embroiled in World Cup controversy

11:47 am on 1 December 2022

New Zealand football referee Matthew Conger has become embroiled in World Cup controversy after disallowing France a last gasp equaliser in their final pool game against Tunisia.

France have filed a complaint with FIFA after French forward Antoine Griezmann's goal was disallowed by the Palmerston North school teacher following a video review.

Griezmann scored eight minutes into stoppage time but the goal was ruled out for offside after Conger consulted the VAR.

Referee Matthew Conger Photo: Photosport

The ball was deflected by a Tunisian defender into the path of Griezmann, who was onside at that point, but the effort was disallowed and Tunisia won the game 1-0.

"We are writing a complaint after Antoine Griezmann's goal was, in our opinion, wrongly disallowed. This complaint has to be filed within 24 hours after the final whistle," the FFF said in a statement.

Tunisia were eliminated from the tournament while France advanced top of Group D into the last 16 and they will face Poland on Sunday.

-Reuters/RNZ