What does the VAR data show about 'favouritism' in the 2026 Fifa World Cup? | The National
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Source: The National (UAE)
Published: 2026-07-15 22:55 UTC+10:00
Section: General
Factuality Score: 100
Opinion Category: Neutral
Topics: Culture & Entertainment, Latin America, Media, World News
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Snippet:
When England meet Argentina in their World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, the referee may be watched as closely as the players. Fifa's appointment of the American official Ismail Elfath, described by some media outlets as Lionel Messi's "favourite referee", has intensified favouritism claims and the 'VARgentina' tag spreading online.
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