FIFA supports Bonyadifard's on-field decision, as PFA considers further appeal
Palestine Football Association still looking for justice following controversial last second penalty vs Oman
More than a month removed from one of the most controversial decisions in World Cup qualification and Palestine is still left looking for answers.
When Mooud Bonyadifard pointed to the spot with less than 30 seconds to go in time added on it was widely suspected to be an error in judgement.
There were 15 players in front of the Iranian referee when Oman’s last ditch cross was played into the box. Bonyadifard was looking at the player who crossed the ball in and then followed the flight of the ball. The screenshots below show whatever minimal contact occurred- happened with Bonyadifard not fixated on the supposed foul in question.
It was only after Bonyadifard had turned his head fully and saw Muhsen Al-Ghassani theatrically falling to ground did the whistle sound. In fact, the signal for a penalty only went after Omani protests well after Al-Ghassani had stuck the landing (see AFC broadcast here between 2:09:50 and 2:09:56)
The linesman who had an excellent view of the entire passage of play did not raise his flag.
At this point, it was assumed that the Video Assistant Referee (Alex King) would intervene and invite Bonyadifard to the monitor. Palestine’s captain, Rami Hamadi, also approached the Iranian suggesting he have a second look.
The referee responded by threatening to show a red card in spite of the fact that it is within the captain’s rights to communicate with the referee.
When Palestine first protested to FIFA they asked for a detailed explanation as to why a penalty was awarded as well as a transcript of the communication between the booth and the on field referee.
What was sought, first and foremost, was clarity and an explanation. In the event of an error- two things were asked that the referees in question not officiate Palestine in the future and that the match be replayed.
In a letter obtained by Football Palestine, FIFA simply states that all decision of the referee are final and cannot be protested.
FIFA does mention that an exception can be made in the case of a clear and obvious error. It seemingly has deemed Muhsen Al-Ghassani’s farcical simulation not to fall under that category.
Football Palestine consulted a legal expert in regards to FIFA’s response who said:
“The way the letter is addressed it is designed to discourage an appeal. It is very clear- almost harsh- language which will further strengthen FIFA’s hand should Palestine decide to go to CAS (The Court of Arbitration in Sport).”
The Palestine Football Association is currently considering its legal options.