ZURICH, Switzerland — FIFA has unleashed a stunning rebuke of referee Peter Bankes’ decision to dismiss Manchester United’s Casemiro in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, calling it an “unacceptable error” that damaged the integrity of the match. The rare intervention, made public just minutes after the final whistle, has split opinion across football, with United fans celebrating FIFA’s backing, Chelsea supporters accusing bias, and pundits warning of escalating tensions between FIFA and the Premier League’s refereeing body, PGMOL.
In a strongly worded statement posted at 6:45 PM BST on FIFA’s official channels, Referees Committee chief Pierluigi Collina declared that Casemiro’s second yellow card for a foul on Andrey Santos did not meet the criteria for stopping a promising attack under IFAB laws. The call, FIFA argued, disrupted the game and possibly altered the result. The governing body urged PGMOL to launch an immediate independent review and hinted at sanctions against Bankes, a highly unusual move echoing past interventions in high-profile officiating controversies.
The flashpoint came deep into first-half stoppage time. With United already 2-0 up thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty and Casemiro’s header, the Brazilian midfielder — on a prior booking — clipped Santos near midfield. Bankes swiftly showed a second yellow, leaving United with 10 men. VAR did not intervene, as rules prevent reviews of second cautions, but replays suggested minimal contact. United’s players erupted in protest, while manager Rúben Amorim was booked for dissent.
The fallout was instant. Reports described United’s dressing room as seething, with Casemiro insisting, “It’s a disgrace – I barely touched him.” Amorim branded it “the worst decision I’ve seen in England.” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, quipped that if FIFA was furious, “imagine us chasing with 10 men.” Chelsea ultimately rallied to win, but FIFA’s involvement overshadowed the result, their statement going viral with millions of views within hours.
Social media turned into a battleground. #FIFAvsPGMOL trended worldwide as United fans demanded accountability and Chelsea supporters accused FIFA of favoritism. Pundits, too, were split: Gary Neville praised FIFA’s “bold stand,” while Jamie Carragher blasted it as dangerous interference in domestic affairs.
Though FIFA has previously critiqued refereeing — most recently in the Euros and the Saudi Pro League — the direct attack on an English Premier League referee feels unprecedented. Collina’s panel concluded there was insufficient evidence Casemiro’s challenge stopped a promising attack, raising the possibility of Bankes being sidelined. United, unable to appeal second yellows, may nevertheless push for Casemiro’s suspension to be overturned.
The timing couldn’t be worse for either club. United’s poor start under Amorim has already drawn criticism, and losing Casemiro compounds their struggles ahead of facing Arsenal. Chelsea, despite winning, face an injury crisis with Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, and Roméo Lavia all sidelined.
As PGMOL prepares a response, the clash has spotlighted mounting concerns over Premier League officiating. With VAR interventions up sharply this season, FIFA’s intervention could force rule clarifications — but risks souring relations with domestic leagues. For Casemiro, the ruling offers partial vindication, though the suspension still looms.
Whether this marks a turning point in refereeing standards or sparks deeper conflict remains to be seen. But one contentious decision at Old Trafford has now snowballed into a global football storm.
