NFL Announces Harsh Discipline for Chiefs–Chargers Officiating Crew After Controversial Calls

September 8, 2025
The international matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo is over, but controversy over the officiating continues to surge. Teair Tart’s open-hand slap to Travis Kelce’s helmet drew an unnecessary roughness flag without an ejection, triggering criticism about post-whistle control and the standard for head/helmet contact.
Condensedstatement from Commissioner Roger Goodell:
“After reviewing all available angles from the Chiefs–Chargers game in São Paulo, we identified multiple breakdowns in on-field control and post-whistle management. Striking an opponent’s helmet—even with an open hand—is dangerous and unacceptable.”
According to a confidential source, the NFL has launched an accelerated review of the São Paulo officiating crew. The working under consideration is a temporary suspension of the crew for approximately three games, paired with mandatory retraining on post-play management, ejection thresholds for “striking,” and on-field communication to de-escalate conflicts.
In addition, the league’s disciplinary office will issue a point-of-emphasis memo to all clubs: any contact to the helmet—including open-hand slaps—will be graded more severely; taunting/provocation that contributes to escalation will face enhanced penalties. Fines and supplemental discipline for involved individuals would be announced separately after the review process is completed.
From a league-integrity standpoint, potential discipline for the crew would underscore a commitment to consistent officiating standards across international and domestic games, player safety, and competitive integrity, while avoiding “gray areas” in high-tension contests. The NFL is also expected to remind players to avoid stoking controversies on social media following games.
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