UEFA issues response to soon-to-be USWNT boss Emma Hayes after she slams 'embarrassing' refereeing during Chelsea's Champions League draw with Real Madrid

The Chelsea manager criticized refereeing decisions, claiming her team was "robbed of a 3-1 victory" due to controversial calls, including a non-existent penalty and an injury-time winner which was incorrectly ruled out as it was deemed offside. TV replays made it evident that Jessie Fleming had fouled Athenea del Castillo outside the box, whereas, Niamh Charles was onside before she scored, what should have been the potential winner. Despite the wrong decisions, UEFA defended the absence of VAR in Women's Champions League matches, citing "significant technical, operational, and logistical challenges."

In a statement, UEFA said: "The implementation of VAR in European competitions involves significant technical, operational, and logistical challenges. To address these challenges, UEFA has developed a gradual plan to introduce VAR in the majority of matches, starting with men’s and women’s club and national team competitions. UEFA already plans to implement VAR at the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals next year and will continuously evaluate the possibility to implement VAR in competitions or stages of competitions where it hasn’t been so far.”

Hayes had previously criticized the lack of goal-line technology and VAR in the Women's Super League when the Blues were denied a goal in their campaign opener against Tottenham. The ball had already crossed the line beating Guro Reiten but the officials believed Ashleigh Neville's clearance prevented the ball from trickling over the line. The soon-to-be USWNT boss was furious with the decision and slammed it as “embarrassing” and “ludicrous.”

As refereeing decisions continue to create controversy there will be louder calls for technological support in women's football both in England and Europe. Nonetheless, in the short term, Chelsea will hope that the officiating will be spot on when they take on Liverpool in their next WSL fixture.