https://www.vekn.net/2-uncategorised/80 ... tober-2026
Errors spotted after tournaments will stand
Words by Hugh Angseesing, VEKN Chairman:
Hello! This is a quick update on some questions we have had regarding errors spotted in events after the event or via remote viewing. These errors have been spotted more since games have started to be broadcast live.
Broadly, results of games where errors are spotted will generally stand, unless:
- It is clear the error materially distorts the original event.
- There is a reason to suspect cheating.
It’s quite easy as a Brit, to talk about these sorts of events, as there are two notable ones in English football:
- First example: 1966 World Cup final England versus West Germany – did the ball cross the line? Later modelling suggests yes but it is a great example of the judge (linesman in that case) making a decision at the time and the result standing.
- Second example: In 1986, Diego Armando Maradona used his hand to score against England in the quarter final of the World Cup. That result again stood because none of the judges could see it being a foul at the time.
We do not expect judges to wind back time and try and fix things post-event, if issues are spotted soon enough, they can be adjusted and the game can continue normally.
Where results are submitted to the Ethics Committee to examine for suspected cheating, those determinations in themselves may change results. However, the Ethics Committee is not there (and as a group of volunteers does not have the resources) to look at results caused by errors.