English referee Anthony Taylor is at the heart of a media storm after the explosive quarter-final between PSG and Bayern Munich at the FIFA club World Cup 2025. A 2-0 victory of PSG, marked by controversial arbitral decisions, led to an official FIFA investigation, leaving the world of football in shock. Taylor, known for his sometimes disputed arbitrations, is accused of having deliberately ignored several blatant faults committed by the players of Bayern Munich, while making decisions deemed incomprehensible which complicated the task of PSG.
From the first minutes, the match at the Mercedes-Benz arena in Atlanta was tense. PSG, led by Luis Enrique, dominated thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, but had to finish the nine meeting after the expulsions of Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez. However, it was Taylor’s choices that drew attention. Four decisions, including the cancellation of a penalty given to Bayern at the end of the match, were described as “incoherent” by observers. A striking incident concerns a fault not whistled on Kylian Mbappé, who almost aggravated an existing injury. Parisian supporters, furious, denounced biased arbitration, while the German media criticized Taylor’s inconstancy.
FIFA, reacting quickly, announced an investigation to examine the actions of the referee. The preliminary results, published in an official statement, amazed the football community. Although the details remain confidential, sources close to the body suggest that Taylor could face a temporary suspension, even severe sanctions if evidence of intentional errors are confirmed. This case revives the debate on the need for refereeing reform, in particular the increased use of VAR to reduce controversies.
PSG, despite the obstacles, celebrated a heroic victory, carried by a Dembele on fire and a decisive hakimi. However, coach Luis Enrique did not mince his words, criticizing not only arbitration, but also the state of the synthetic terrain, which he considers unsuitable for high -level football. On the Bayern side, the defeat is bitter, aggravated by the serious injury of Jamal Musiala, victim of a fracture of the tibia. The Bavarian coach deplored arbitral decisions, while recognizing the resilience of PSG.
This controversy marks a turning point in the competition. While PSG is preparing to face Real Madrid in the semi-finals, the eyes remain turned towards FIFA and the outcome of the Taylor investigation. Football, once again, is faced with its own contradictions, between passion, spectacle and quest for equity. Fans are waiting for clear answers to restore their confidence in international arbitration.
