FIFA has stated there is no evidence that the ball struck an overhead wire before Jude Bellingham's goal for England against Norway, a claim that has frustrated the Norwegian team. The incident occurred in the 45th minute of the match, which saw Norway eliminated from the World Cup quarter-finals by England.
FIFA Media posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the sensor within the connected ball registered no unusual activity when the ball was in the air. "Therefore, there is no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball," the statement read.
Norway's coach, Lars Lagerbäck, expressed his team's bewilderment, stating, "The ball dropped down straight from heaven – says everyone, including the goalie, including the guy who was going to receive the ball. I think it was pretty clear that it did. It was a strange thing."
This technology, which uses a sensor in the ball, is similar to the Snickometer used in cricket and has been a point of contention in the tournament previously. During Portugal's victory over Croatia, a goal was disallowed after the technology indicated a slight touch by an offside player in the build-up.
England's coach acknowledged that his team had benefited from fortunate moments during the match. "I'm not saying we are lucky to win, but we are lucky in decisive moments," he commented, without directly addressing the specific ball-spidercam incident.