Fifa World Cup: France file complaint to Fifa after Kiwi referee Matthew Conger’s controversial call

Referee Matthew Conger signals to France's Antoine Griezmann that his goal is disallowed. Photo / AP

The French football federation is filing a complaint with Fifa over Antoine Griezmann’s disallowed goal at the end of France’s 1-0 loss to Tunisia at the World Cup.

Griezmann drilled in a low shot in the eighth and final minute of stoppage time at Education City Stadium.

Kiwi referee Matthew Conger ruled out the equaliser following a video review.

Referee Matthew Conger signals to France's Antoine Griezmann that his goal is disallowed. Photo / AP

The FFF’s statement said the goal was “unfairly refused” but did not elaborate, amid reports it focused on the fact Conger restarted the match then blew the final whistle — after which he consulted VAR and ruled out Griezmann’s goal.

Griezmann was in an offside position when a cross came over but then retreated and appeared to be played back into an onside position following a Tunisia defender’s deflection when he shot into the bottom left corner.

The FFF said that it had 24 hours from the end of the match to file an official complaint with governing body Fifa.

No further details were given.

Il y a bien eu reprise du jeu !#TUNFRA #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/WaMhh28ioi

— Philippe Malige (@PhilippeMalige) November 30, 2022

It was France’s first World Cup defeat since 2014, when it lost 1-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals.

Defending champion France finished atop Group D on goal difference from Australia and will face Poland in the last 16 on Monday.