UEFA criticized for edited Yamal video after Galatasaray-Barcelona

UEFA found itself at the center of controversy after broadcasting a video of Lamine Yamal during the Galatasaray-Barcelona Champions League match on Tuesday evening. The European governing body selected a camera angle that masked Eren Elmali’s contact with the ball, giving the impression of a perfect dribble when the Turkish defender had actually grazed the ball.

The sequence occurred in the 53rd minute of a match dominated by Barcelona (1-4), marking their tenth consecutive victory in ten league and European Cup matches this season — a first in the history of the Catalan club. Hansi Flick can take pride in a team in peak form, though it was UEFA’s communication that drew attention after the final whistle.

Lamine Yamal, 17, was named man of the match despite not scoring. On the right flank, he first crossed for Fermín López’s header (50th minute), then executed a roulette turn on Elmali before setting up Anthony Gordon (53rd minute). Two assists that illustrate the growing influence of the Spanish winger at the highest level of European football.

But it was UEFA’s presentation of the sequence that crystallized reactions. By selecting an angle where Elmali’s contact was not visible, the governing body embellished the sequence to the point of distorting it. Social media users quickly spotted the difference with other camera angles clearly showing the Galatasaray defender’s hand on the ball, and critical comments flooded the post.

The episode reignites a recurring debate about how sports institutions shape their social media communication, sometimes at the expense of factual accuracy. For Barcelona, however, the evening remains an unambiguous success: ten matches, ten victories, and a team establishing itself as one of the major favorites in this edition of the Champions League.