The recent decision of the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, to approve the complaint filed by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich rocked the world of football. This announcement follows the controversial refereeing of two games between these clubs in Paris Saint-Germain during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. According to the complainants, several obvious penalties and faults committed by PSG would have been ignored, thus distorting the course of the meetings. This validation by FIFA has led to severe sanctions against the referees involved and the Parisian club, reviving the debates on the integrity of arbitration in international competitions.
During the quarter-final against Bayern Munich, PSG won 2-0 despite two evictions at the end of the match. The Bavarians have denounced several arbitral decisions, including an unshined fault in the Parisian surface which could have changed the outcome of the meeting. Similarly, during the semi-final against Real Madrid, where PSG dominated 4-0, the Madrid pointed to arbitral errors, saying that clear penalties in their favor were not granted. These incidents fueled a feeling of injustice, pushing the two clubs to grasp FIFA.
Infantino’s response was not long in coming. By approving the complaint, FIFA has recognized serious shortcomings in the management of matches. The referees concerned are now the subject of in -depth suspensions and surveys. As for PSG, financial sanctions and potential restrictions on transfers have been mentioned, although the details remain to be confirmed. This decision marks a turning point, because it is rare for FIFA to take such radical measures against a club on the scale of PSG.
However, this case raises broader questions about arbitration in modern football. Technologies like Var, supposed to reduce errors, still seem to fail in crucial moments. Parisian supporters, they are crying out on the plot, believing that their club is unjustly targeted after its impressive performances. Players’ statements like Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois, who had rented a PSG player for his exceptional talent, contrast with this controversy, adding a layer of irony to the situation.
This decision could have lasting repercussions. For PSG, which aims for global glory, these sanctions represent a hard blow. For Real Madrid and Bayern, it is a form of validation, but it does not change the results in the field. As the final between PSG and Chelsea approaches, looks turn to FIFA to see how it will manage arbitration in the future. One thing is certain: this controversy will remain in the annals of football, fueling discussions on equity and transparency in this universal sport.
