The explosive match between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, which ended with a 3-4 defeat for Catalans, continues to shake European football. But it’s not just the seven goals that are causing a commotion: Szymon Marciniak’s arbitration decisions, now at the center of a media and legal storm, have caused an unprecedented scandal. In fact, the Polish referee has just been suspended indefinitely by FIFA after a mysterious failure of the VAR system during the match.
A “failure” of VAR that changes everything
In the 75th minute of the match, a controversial play between Mkhitaryan and the young Lamine Yamal was briefly controlled … before the video assistant suddenly declared “off”. According to sources of the Italian newspaperLa Gazzetta dello Sport, UEFA technicians have detected “unidentified” external interference with the VAR sign, a novelty in the history of the Champions League.
The result? No red card for Mkhitaryan, no penalty for Barça and, a few minutes later, the decisive goal was scored by Francesco Acerbi, stained by a possible foul on Gerard Martín. Var “silent”, Catalans Furious.
The shadow of a conspiracy?
Accusations arise from all sides. Catalan media report “institutional collusion” and some even suspect that Marciniak has calls with Real Madrid. An old rumor resurfaced suggesting that the Polish referee was invited to a private dinner offered by a Real Madrid sponsor in 2022. The Italian financial police would have even opened an investigation into possible suspicious financial flows around the meeting.
“This is not the first time this referee penalizing us in a decisive match,” said a stunned Pedri. “If UEFA does not react, all this is a well orchestrated act.”
Marciniak responds… and defends herself
Asked after the match, Szymon Marciniak had a scathing reaction:
I will not respond to such ridiculous accusations. I have nothing to censor myself. If they want to complain, leave them. I’m ready.
But FIFA, pressured by public opinion and several federations, decided to act. A brief statement announced that Marciniak was “temporarily excluded from any appointment to a new warning” while the VAR interference investigation is completed.
A radius of nothing… and lasting consequences
The controversy grows: Arsène Wenger, consultant for Bein Sports, said he was “shocked” with the result of the final. How can a tool as crucial as VAR can fail at the most crucial moment? It is disturbing.
Meanwhile, social media are growing. The #Vargate hashtag is on the rise in Europe. There are theories circulating on deliberate hacking or even the involvement of an illegal gambling cartel operating in Asia.
What’s next?
FC Barcelona officially filed a complaint to UEFA, sending a 84 -page dossier that includes video images, technical analysis and witness testimonials. President Joan Laporta is asking for a “complete review” of the UEFA VAR systems and a permanent ban of Marciniak of all European competitions.
A match, a collapse, and all of Europe wonders: Most are still reliable?
