The Chilean National Professional Football Association (ANFP) has released VAR audio detailing the controversial incident between Ñublense and Universidad de Chile during Sunday's match. The play involved a heavy challenge by Universidad de Chile's Jovanny Campusano on Javier Altamirano, which was not penalized by referee Cristián Galaz.
According to BioBioChile, the incident occurred in the 32nd minute of the match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Chillán-based side. The impact left Altamirano writhing in pain on the pitch, requiring immediate medical attention.
VAR Booth Decision
The audio reveals that VAR officials Piero Maza and Nicolás Medina supported the on-field decision. According to official ANFP information, the VAR determined that the referee had correctly interpreted the play by not calling a foul.
“The Ñublense player plays the ball; it’s the U de Chile player who puts his foot in the way,” Maza explained during communication with Galaz. Technical assistant Nicolás Medina added an initial warning: “Watch out, it’s heavy. Watch out, number 19 plays the ball and then steps on him.”
The ANFP’s technical explanation maintains that the Ñublense player was in control of the ball and that Campusano’s challenge was lateral. “It is clearly observed that the player in red plays the ball, which was under his control rather than in a 50/50 challenge, and then the player in blue moves in laterally, assuming the risk,” the statement detailed.
The recordings also capture the intervention of first assistant Claudio Urrutia, who noted: “He hits the ball and then collides... He hits the ball.” Urrutia furthered his analysis, stating, “To me, this looks more like an accidental collision. He has control of the ball.”
Maza concluded the review by ratifying the head referee's decision, noting that while the impact was significant, there was no foul: “Galaz, the red player plays the ball and it is the U player who puts his foot in the way. For us, it is a play on the ball because the Ñublense player, Campusano, cannot do anything to stop that foot. He plays the ball and it is the U player... while it is true it was a heavy challenge because it twisted his ankle.”
