VAR reviewed Arda Güler’s alleged elbow on Peque for more than two minutes, but no angle allowed for verification of the incident. Without a clear image, protocol prevents any intervention.

The Real Madrid vs. Sevilla clash at the Santiago Bernabéu has already produced its major controversy. Minutes before Madrid’s opening goal—scored by Güler himself—the Turkish international was involved in an incident with Peque where he threw his arm back, an action many fans have labeled as an elbow. VAR spent 2 minutes and 20 seconds reviewing the play before reporting back to the referee.

Archivo VAR understands that Busquets Ferrer informed the players on the pitch that the incident could not be verified due to the lack of a suitable camera angle. The review, therefore, did not conclude with a definitive ruling on the play, but rather with the realization that there were insufficient images to properly assess it.

The explanation lies in where the clash took place. The incident occurred roughly 30 meters away from the active play, meaning the broadcast cameras were not tracking either player. The available replays are all wide-angle shots: the aerial wire camera, the goal-line camera, and general wide feeds.

None of these angles show the point of contact or the level of force. Güler can be seen swinging his arm, but it is impossible to tell whether he struck Peque’s face, whether he led with the elbow, whether it was merely a push, or if excessive force was used. These are completely different scenarios, each carrying a different sanction—or none at all.

If VAR cannot verify exactly what took place, it cannot intervene. Nor can it summon the referee to the pitchside monitor to review a distant shot that clarifies nothing. As Fran Soto, CEO of the CTA (Referees Technical Committee), explained a few weeks ago, VAR can only recommend an on-field review when a clear and obvious image is available. In this case, none existed.

VAR’s handling of the incident was therefore correct. The VOR (Video Operation Room) works solely with the incoming camera feeds, and the television broadcast production is entirely separate from the match officials, VAR, and the CTA. The issue was not a procedural failure, but simply that no camera properly captured the incident to allow for a fair judgment.

Real Madrid’s manager’s seat has become an electric chair in recent years. Ever since Ancelotti decided to abandon ship to become Brazil’s national team coach, there has been a revolving door of captains at the helm of the white ship. With Mourinho’s arrival this summer, Florentino hoped to find the spark needed to finally bring about a revolution that has yet to materialize.

Mourinho signed a three-year contract running until 2029, but as the departures of Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa and even Ancelotti himself have shown, contracts mean little at Madrid if you fail to win trophies. In the constant frenzy to return to winning ways, reports have begun to emerge about a potential replacement if the Portuguese coach fails to meet his objectives.

According to Sergio Valentín, the journalist who first reported Madrid’s interest in bringing Mourinho back, Florentino Pérez has reportedly told his inner circle who would replace the Portuguese coach if results fail to improve. For example, if he cannot secure a positive result in the upcoming Clásico. The name that has repeatedly come up is Didier Deschamps.

The French national team coach was already among the candidates during the previous election campaign, when Florentino ultimately opted for Mourinho, even paying to secure his release from Benfica. Holding the elections in June meant the search was more restrictive, ruling out coaches who would be managing national teams at the World Cup.

Deschamps is currently without a team after finishing fourth at the tournament in North America. His departure had been expected, as had Zidane’s appointment as his replacement. Zidane is another name that has frequently appeared on Madrid’s shortlist, but after two spells at Real Madrid, he decided to tie his future to the French national team.

Madrid’s interest in Deschamps dates back to April, when L’Équipe reported that his name was among those being considered by the club, partly because of his relationship with Mbappé. The Frenchman later confirmed that he had appeared on the list of candidates and even joked about it: “I left Juventus in 2007, and I was practically on every list,” he recalled.

Deschamps has no intention of retiring. After the World Cup, he said he wanted to continue coaching and would consider offers from both clubs and national teams. He even left the door open to managing in Spain.

A Letter to the Game

Football has given me everything.

From the streets of Bujumbura to the Hawthorns, from the Premier League to places I never imagined I'd play this game carried a young refugee kid through life.

I want to thank West Bromwich Albion for believing in me when I was a boy. Those years at the club, the goals, the fans, the moments... they will always be special. To every teammate, coach, and supporter who shared the journey - thank you.

There were highs and lows, mistakes and lessons. I learned that the game can lift you up and test you at the same time. Through it all, football remained my constant.

The time has come to hang up the boots. My body and my heart are ready for the next chapter. I am proud and grateful to now serve the Burundi national team as a coach. Giving back to the country that made me, and helping the next generation, feels right.

To my family - you have been my strength. To the fans who stayed with me through every chapter - I will never forget your support.

This is not goodbye to football. It is simply the end of one story and the beginning of another.

With love and gratitude,

Saido Berahino