Ferran Torres had a goal disallowed for offside in a La Liga match this weekend after a VAR review, triggering fresh controversy over the technology's use in Spanish football.
The offside call
Torres thought he had scored, but the video assistant referee flagged an offside in the buildup. Officials reviewed the footage and overturned the initial decision. Replays showed a tight call — the sort of millimeter judgment that has become routine in VAR-era offside checks.
The decision sparked immediate debate among fans and within the stadium. Many questioned whether the margin was clear enough to overturn a goal. The incident is the latest in a long line of offside rulings that have divided opinion in La Liga.
VAR's track record in Spain
Since its introduction, VAR has been a frequent flashpoint in Spanish football. Offside calls, in particular, have drawn criticism for their precision — or lack of perceived consistency. Some argue the technology eliminates clear errors; others say it strips the game of spontaneity and rewards hairline interpretations.
Sunday's call fits that pattern. The Torres decision did not appear to involve a clear and obvious error, yet the goal was wiped out. Critics say such rulings undermine the spirit of the rule, which was meant to correct obvious mistakes, not parse frames.
What the controversy means
The incident adds to growing calls for a review of how VAR is applied to offside decisions. La Liga has not announced any changes, but the debate is unlikely to fade. For Torres and his teammates, the disallowed goal could have changed the match — now it simply adds a footnote to an ongoing argument about technology in football.
No official statement has been issued by the league or the referee committee. The question remains whether the system will be adjusted or if this is just another routine controversy in a sport learning to live with video review.
