Cologne takes a u-turn over VAR dispute in Dortmund tie

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Bengaluru, September 19: Bundesliga strugglers FC Cologne have taken a u-turn on their demand of a replay over a goal they claim was wrongly awarded to opponents Borussia Dortmund with the help of a video assistant referee (VAR) in their 5-0 Bundesliga defeat on Sunday (September 17).

Cologne were angry about the second goal where they were initially awarded a free kick, only for the referee to change his mind and gave a goal to the hosts after consulting with the VAR.

Cologne, who have no points from their first four league games, announced afterwards that they would lodge a protest and ask for the match to be replayed but on Tuesday said that "the chances of success for such a protest are slim."

The incident happened in the 45th minute when Cologne goalkeeper Timo Horn dropped the ball at a corner and Dortmund defender Sokratis tapped it into the net.

Both the Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A are trialling the use of VARs this season in co-operation with game's rule-making body the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The IFAB is expected to decide in March whether to permit VARs on a permanent basis. FIFA is hoping to use them at the World Cup in Russia next year.