Chelsea Nkunku
(Credit: DAZN)
Keith Hackett
Wed 25 June 2025 21:49, UK
Keith Hackett has called for a change in the use of VAR after Chelsea were on the receiving end of a farcical situation in their Club World Cup clash with ES Tunis.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that there ought to be a limit on how long after an incident video officials can intervene.
Hackett has also called for referees to back themselves rather than overturn decisions whenever VAR recommends an on-field review.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been at the centre of some big officiating decisions during the Club World Cup, with striker Nicolas Jackson sent off during their defeat to Flamengo.
That meant the Blues went into this clash with Tunis needing to avoid defeat to secure their place in the knockout round of the competition.
Three minutes into first half stoppage time, the Premier League side took the lead through Tosin Adarabioyo as he headed in a free kick from Enzo Fernandez.
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Moments later, Chelsea doubled their lead as summer signing Liam Delap scored his first goal for the club.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Enzo Maresca will have been under pressure to get his side into the knockout stages of the Club World Cup (Credit: Imago)
Christopher Nkunku misses out on chance to get on the scoresheet
With 15 minutes remaining, the Blues looked set to get a chance to extend their lead even further, when a shot from Andrey Santos struck the hand of Tunis defender Yassine Meriah.
That then led to Argentine referee Yael Falcon Perez pointing to the spot to award a penalty to Maresca‘s side.
It is understood that Chelsea are ready to sell Christopher Nkunku in the transfer window, but he was still given the responsibility of taking that spot kick.
However, as the Frenchman was preparing to take his run up with the ball placed on the spot, VAR belatedly intervened to recommend an on-field review.
After re-watching the incident at the screen, Perez then overturned the decision and ruled out the penalty, several minutes after it had initially been awarded.
Now, Hackett has criticised the way process that VAR went through to deny Chelsea that penalty, while suggesting that referees should take a stronger stance in responding to officials in the video booth.
Chelsea penalty leads to call for VAR change
After being asked by Football Insider what he made of the length of time it took for VAR to get involved, Hackett said: “The long delay before requesting the referee to visit the monitor to judge his original decision undermines whatever the outcome.
“It is evident across the world that there is a lack of consistent interpretation on handball. The law in my opinion requires change to reduce the subjectivity in the decision making process.
“I would like to see the law makers introduce a time limit on when they can intervene. Let’s start with a maximum one minute with a plan to reduce it.
“In the end the referee changed his mind which again follows the usual pattern. I would like them to occasionally say to the VAR: ‘Get lost I am sticking with my original call’.
“Referees must be reminded that the offence must be deliberate.”
Chelsea would eventually go on to score a third in second half stoppage time through Tyrique George to claim a 3-0 win over the Tunisian side.
That ensures they will now take on Benfica in the Round of 16 stage of the competition on Saturday night (28 June).
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