More than 2,012 people have signed a Change.org petition urging FIFA to conduct an independent review of the officiating in the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, claiming controversial refereeing decisions unfairly influenced the outcome of the match.
The campaign comes after a final overshadowed by crowd violence and security breaches that disrupted the showpiece event and sparked global debate over the tournament’s organisation.
The petition, launched shortly after Spain’s victory over Argentina, argues that questionable officiating significantly affected the result and calls on football’s governing body to provide greater transparency over several key decisions made during the match.
“We respectfully request that FIFA conduct an independent review of the officiating in the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina,” the petition reads. “For the integrity of the sport, we ask FIFA to review the match, explain the officiating decisions and provide transparency to fans around the world. Football deserves fairness, accountability and equal treatment for both teams.”
The organisers alleged that several fouls committed by Spain went unpunished, while Argentina received multiple yellow cards and a red card during the encounter. They also questioned why Spain completed the match without a single booking.
According to the petition, at least three incidents in which Argentina should have been awarded free kicks were overlooked by the referee, with supporters arguing that the decisions had a significant impact on the flow and eventual outcome of the game.
“The refereeing in the match raised numerous concerns,” the petition states. “Several key decisions, including the failure to sanction apparent fouls committed by Spain, had a substantial impact on the result. When fairness is compromised, the spirit of competition suffers, and the integrity of the sport is put into question.”
The campaign also urges FIFA to consider ordering a replay of the final, arguing that doing so would restore confidence in the principles of fair play.
“A rematch would provide Argentina with an opportunity to compete on an even playing field and help restore faith in the fairness of one of football’s most prestigious tournaments,” the petition says.
Some supporters also questioned Argentina’s display in the final, suggesting the team’s performance was unusually below its normal standard.
“The way Argentina played in the final was not the Argentina we know. Their body language and overall performance were different, and many fans believe something may have affected the team before the match,” one supporter said.
Another fan criticised the officiating, saying, “The referee in this match was unfair, and the officiating negatively affected Argentina’s performance.”
The World Cup final was also marred by violence and security incidents involving supporters before and after the match, prompting widespread criticism of crowd control measures.
The disturbances, alongside the controversial refereeing, have fuelled calls from some fans for FIFA to investigate the match and explain the officiating decisions.
As the petition continues to attract signatures, its organisers say they want FIFA to reassure football fans worldwide that fairness, transparency and accountability remain central to the sport.
