FIFA is now reviewing the controversial Manchester City vs Liverpool match played on November 9th, 2025, and the situation is becoming serious. Manchester City won the match 3-0 with goals from Erling Haaland, Nico González and Jérémy Doku. However, what happened during the match is now bigger than the scoreline. A major incident occurred when Virgil van Dijk scored a header that would have brought Liverpool back into the match, but referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal, claiming Andy Robertson interfered from an offside position. No proper VAR review was done, and no second angle was checked by the referee.
After the match, new video footage surfaced clearly showing that Robertson did not block the goalkeeper or interfere with play at all. The goal should have stood. Reports say VAR officials had access to this angle during the match but did not show it to the referee. Instead, audio recordings are now being examined because someone in the VAR booth allegedly said “stick with the on-field decision,” even though the evidence showed the goal was valid.
If this is confirmed, FIFA could sack the entire refereeing crew that handled the match. That means Chris Kavanagh, the VAR officials, assistant referees, and the fourth official could all lose their jobs. This would not be a temporary suspension but a full dismissal from refereeing at FIFA level.
The investigation is not stopping there. There are now checks being made to see whether there was any form of influence or communication pressure affecting the decision. If any connection, even indirect, is found between Manchester City staff and the refereeing decision, Manchester City could face serious punishment. The possible penalties being mentioned include fines, a replay of the match, or even a points deduction in the Premier League table.
Liverpool are already preparing an official complaint as they believe this decision affected the match and the fairness of the competition. The team has struggled recently, especially away from home, losing four straight away games for the first time since 2012. But this time they are not staying quiet. The club wants answers, and the supporters want transparency.
The situation is now being treated as one of the most serious VAR controversies the Premier League has seen. If FIFA confirms that the proper footage was withheld intentionally, the consequences will be historic. The referees will likely be removed permanently, and Manchester City may not escape sporting punishment if any involvement is detected.
This issue has gone beyond one bad call. It is now about the credibility of football. The next decision from FIFA will determine whether fans can trust the fairness of the game or not. The outcome of this investigation could change league standings, officiating rules, and possibly the direction of the Premier League title race.
The football world is waiting.
