So here we are, folks. The World Cup quarterfinals are upon us, and somehow, it seems like the real drama isn’t just on the pitch. It’s hard to ignore how media giants like CNN and ESPN love to sensationalize every VAR decision, portraying them as scandals that tarnish the integrity of the sport. Who benefits from this constant hand-wringing? Certainly not the fans, who just want to enjoy the game.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s FIFA controversy is yet another shiny object these corporate outlets are waving in our faces, distracting us from the poor officiating and the messages that FIFA really needs to hear. You won’t hear that from the pandering talking heads on NBC though, who are too busy crafting narratives about “fair play” to admit that their beloved billion-dollar tournaments aren’t perfect. VAR might be a flawed technology, but they won’t tell you it exists in a fundamentally flawed system.

What’s even more outrageous? The blatant hypocrisy. These media personalities lament the effects of VAR decisions while completely ignoring how sponsorships and ad revenue shape the narrative. The same outlets criticizing VAR are the ones whose pockets are lined with money from organizations that thrive on controversy—controversy that keeps us glued to our screens. So, as we watch the quarterfinals unfold, don’t buy into the melodrama. Demand transparency in football and in the coverage of it.