UEFA Stands by Champions League Officials Amid Criticism from Chelsea's Bompastor

UEFA has expressed full confidence in the officials selected for the Women's Champions League, despite criticism from Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor. Bompastor was dissatisfied with the VAR's decision not to review a hair-pulling incident involving Katie McCabe and Alyssa Thompson during the quarter-final second leg. The coach suggested that the standard of officiating in the women's game needs improvement. UEFA has invested heavily in training and development plans for referees in the women's game and has faith in their experience in European and international competitions. It is unlikely that Bompastor will face disciplinary action for her comments. The decision to disallow Veerle Buurman's goal in the first leg was deemed correct, given the on-field decision and lack of strong evidence to overturn it. Bompastor was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, one for protesting the hair-pulling incident and another for encroaching on the pitch. She questioned the use of VAR in the women's game, stating that it should have checked the incident and made a clear call. Former WSL striker Ellen White shared Bompastor's concerns, saying that the hair pull should have been reviewed and potentially led to a red card for McCabe. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers believed the incident was unintentional, but unfortunate. Bompastor also pointed out previous mistakes made by the referee and VAR official in Champions League matches. The quarter-final tie ended with Arsenal winning 3-2 on aggregate, despite Chelsea's 1-0 win on the night. The Gunners will face either Lyon or Wolfsburg in the semi-finals.