FIFA Takes Action After Liverpool vs MaFIFA has now announced disciplinary action against the referee and the VAR officials

The football world woke up in shock. Not because of a goal. Not because of a transfer. Not because of a manager being sacked. This time, the noise came from the top. From FIFA. From the people who rarely admit mistakes, and even more rarely take action.

After the chaotic and controversial night at Anfield between Liverpool and Manchester City, FIFA finally spoke. And when they did, the message was clear. Something went wrong. Very wrong.

The Liverpool vs Manchester City match was meant to be one of the biggest games of the season. Two giants. A title race. History. Pride. Drama. But instead of football being the main talking point, the referee and VAR stole the spotlight. Again.

From the first whistle, tension filled the air. Fans knew this match mattered. Players knew one mistake could change everything. Managers knew one decision could define the season. And sadly, that is exactly what happened.

Throughout the game, decisions began to pile up. Fouls that looked obvious were ignored. Soft challenges were punished. Strong tackles were waved away. The flow of the match was broken again and again. Players looked confused. Fans looked angry. The crowd inside Anfield grew louder, not just with support, but with frustration.

Then came the VAR moments.

Moments that changed everything.

One decision was checked for minutes. Another was waved through without explanation. A goal stood when many expected it to be overturned. Another goal was ruled out after celebrations had already started. Replays were shown. Angles were debated. Lines were drawn. And still, nobody understood the final calls.

Liverpool fans felt robbed.

Manchester City fans felt cheated.

Neutral fans felt tired.

Social media exploded instantly. Videos flooded X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. Former referees argued with pundits. Ex-players shook their heads on live television. Fans from other clubs joined in, saying this could have happened to anyone.

The phrase “VAR chaos” trended worldwide.

Again.

For Liverpool supporters, the anger was deep. Many felt this was not just one bad night, but another chapter in a long story of controversial decisions going against them in big matches. They pointed to past seasons. Past moments. Past apologies that changed nothing. This time, they wanted more than sorry.

Manchester City fans were no happier. Some believed decisions went against them at key moments. Others felt the referee lost control of the match completely. Even City players looked frustrated, constantly surrounding the referee, asking questions, demanding explanations, receiving none.

By the final whistle, the football itself almost did not matter anymore. The talking points were not about tactics, goals, or performances. They were about the officials.

And then, something unexpected happened.

Less than 48 hours later, FIFA released a statement.

Short. Direct. Powerful.

FIFA confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken against the referee and the VAR officials involved in the Liverpool vs Manchester City match.

No spin.

No excuses.

No vague language.

Action.

The news sent shockwaves through football.

Fans could not believe it. Many had waited years to hear something like this. For once, it felt like accountability was real. Liverpool fans celebrated the announcement like a victory. Not because it changed the result, but because it sent a message.

Enough is enough.

“This is long overdue,” many fans wrote online. “Why did it take so long?” others asked. Some were happy. Some were still angry. Some said it changed nothing unless the system itself was fixed.

But one thing was clear.

FIFA stepping in was not normal.

Usually, referees are protected. Mistakes are hidden behind words like “human error” or “interpretation of the law.” VAR officials are rarely named, rarely punished, rarely questioned publicly. This time was different.

Sources close to the situation revealed that FIFA had reviewed the match footage in detail. Every major decision. Every VAR check. Every moment of confusion. And they were not happy with what they saw.

The referee was accused of losing control of the match. VAR officials were criticised for inconsistency and poor communication. Some decisions were described as “below expected standards.” Others were called “unacceptable for elite-level football.”

The disciplinary measures were not fully detailed, but reports suggest suspensions, removal from high-profile matches, and mandatory retraining sessions. A strong message was sent behind closed doors.

This was FIFA saying: we are watching.

For Liverpool fans, it felt like justice, even if late. Many pointed to how players are punished instantly for mistakes, while referees usually walk away untouched. This time, the balance felt fair.

For Manchester City fans, it was proof that the chaos was real, not imagined. That the frustration players showed on the pitch was justified. That Pep Guardiola’s calm but sharp post-match words carried weight.

The football world reacted fast.

Former players like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville spoke openly about the need for transparency. Managers from other clubs quietly supported the decision. Even referees’ associations admitted that improvements were needed.

But not everyone was convinced.

Some warned that punishing referees publicly could create fear. Fear to make decisions. Fear to take responsibility. Fear to whistle. Others said VAR itself is the problem, not the people using it.

Yet fans had a simple response.

“If players can be dropped for bad form, referees should be too.”

The debate raged on.

Talk shows argued late into the night. Podcasts released emergency episodes. Newspapers printed bold headlines. “FIFA Acts.” “VAR Officials Punished.” “A Turning Point?”

Whether this truly changes football remains to be seen.

But for one night, after years of anger and frustration, fans felt heard.

And it all started with a chaotic night at Anfield that football will not forget.