The United Daily News reported that at the 2026 World Cup, a South Africa midfielder was banned three matches for stepping on an opponent, but Lionel Messi, who similarly stepped on a rival, faced no notable sanction, with South Africa's coach strongly questioning VAR's fairness.

The coach blasted 'VAR double standards,' arguing different yardsticks were applied to the same type of foul. The core suspicion: are star and non-star players judged differently?

VAR was introduced to reduce errors, but disputes over intervention thresholds and the consistency of subjective calls recur every tournament. Fairness in disciplinary severity is especially sensitive.

The case is likely to amplify demands for transparency and consistency. How FIFA explains its criteria and reasoning will shape where the controversy goes.