FIFA Drops the Hammer: Officials from Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Dismissed After Controversial Mbappé Offside Call
In a decision that has sent shockwaves across the football world, FIFA has officially announced the dismissal of the referees and VAR officials who officiated the recent clash between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. The announcement follows intense backlash over a controversial decision to disallow a goal scored by Kylian Mbappé, citing offside — a ruling that many fans, analysts, and even players labeled as one of the worst officiating blunders in recent memory.
The highly anticipated match ended in chaos after Mbappé, who had seemingly put the ball in the back of the net with a stunning finish, saw his goal chalked off in the 63rd minute. The linesman raised the flag for offside, and after a brief but heated VAR check, the goal was officially ruled out. However, multiple camera angles and still images from the replay appeared to show that the French superstar had timed his run perfectly, staying onside by a clear margin before receiving the ball.
Within minutes, the decision went viral on social media. Fans erupted in fury, Real Madrid supporters demanded justice, and pundits across Spain and beyond condemned the officiating. Former players and referees called it “a disgrace,” with one retired La Liga official stating, “This is the type of mistake that shouldn’t be possible in the VAR era.”
Apparently, FIFA was watching too.
In a rare and dramatic move, FIFA released an official statement less than 48 hours after the match, confirming the dismissal of the full refereeing crew — including the head referee, assistant referees, and VAR officials involved in the decision-making process. The statement read:
> “FIFA has conducted a thorough review of the officiating in the recent La Liga fixture between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. The failure to correctly assess the offside situation involving player Kylian Mbappé represents a critical error in judgment and application of technology. As a result, FIFA has decided to relieve all officials involved of their duties, effective immediately.”
The fallout from this decision is massive. It not only casts a dark cloud over the integrity of that particular match but also reignites the ongoing debate about inconsistencies in VAR usage and the accountability of referees in high-stakes games.
Real Madrid, who went on to draw the match 4-4, were reportedly furious after the incident. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti kept his calm during the post-match conference but hinted at frustration, saying, “Decisions like this can change the outcome of a season. It’s hard to explain how such a clear goal was taken away.”
The incident also raises serious questions about whether FIFA might begin to exert more authority over domestic league officiating, especially when it comes to the usage of VAR and its interpretation. This could set a precedent where referees face more immediate consequences for game-changing errors — a move that many fans would welcome, but which could also place even more pressure on match officials worldwide.
As for Mbappé, who is still rumored to be joining Real Madrid in the summer, the decision to disallow his goal only fueled further speculation and attention. He reacted with visible disbelief on the pitch, throwing his arms in the air before walking away in frustration. Sources close to the player say he was “stunned” by the call.
In the aftermath of this unprecedented action, all eyes will be on how Spanish football responds — and whether this marks the beginning of a new era of accountability and transparency in refereeing. One thing is certain: FIFA’s message is loud and clear — no one is above the rules,not even the referees.