Didier Drogba alleged that Andreas Schjelderup clearly fouled Nicolas Pepe inside Norway's penalty area. Consequently, the former striker believes referee Jesus Valenzuela made an incorrect decision by not awarding Ivory Coast a penalty.
"It's regrettable the referee did not award Nicolas Pepe a penalty. What is the point of VAR then?", Drogba wrote on social media platform X.
While Drogba supported his home country's team, many other experts contended that the referee's call was correct. According to former Norway striker Simen Stamso-Moller, Schjelderup made contact with Pepe, but it was not enough to be considered a foul.
Schjelderup also maintained his innocence regarding the incident. He admitted to contact but stated it was not significant enough to cause Pepe to fall.
"When the incident happened, I was very worried. But it is good that the referee also recognized it was not a penalty", Schjelderup said.
 |
Schjelderup (white shirt) collides with Pepe in the 77th minute of the Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast match, during the round of 16 of the World Cup 2026, in Arlington, US, on the evening of 30/6. Screen capture *DAZN*. |
Many viewers also sided with Schjelderup. On X, the account @ElVarCentral argued that the two players had only minor contact, insufficient for a penalty call.
"Pepe stumbled and lost his balance. He then stepped on the ball and fell. There was no foul by Schjelderup. Referee Valenzuela's decision was correct", the account added.
The controversial incident occurred with the score at 1-1. Antonio Nusa scored the opening goal with a curled shot in the 39th minute, before Amad Diallo broke through to equalize for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute. After the disputed moment, Norway secured a 2-1 victory with an Erling Haaland tap-in in the 86th minute.
Drogba played 105 matches, scoring a record 65 goals for Ivory Coast, and participated in three World Cups. Ivory Coast advanced past the group stage for the first time in this year's tournament, finishing second in Group E.
The round of 16 victory on the evening of 30/6 marked Norway's second time reaching the quarterfinals, following their 1998 campaign. Should they overcome Brazil in their next match, Haaland and his teammates would make history by advancing to the semifinals for the first time.
Haaland currently ranks second in the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race with 5 goals. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe jointly lead with 6 goals.
By Thanh Quy (via X, Dagbladet)
