In an interview with Poland's PAP news agency, the former defender said refereeing had become the tournament's biggest problem despite the use of video review and other technologies.
"What they're doing is a disaster," Bąk said. "We have VAR and ball sensors, but it feels like all of this exists only to steer matches toward a specific result. This is murdering football."
Bąk, who earned 96 caps for Poland and played club football for Lech Poznań and France's Olympique Lyonnais, said controversies surrounding officiating and FIFA decisions had eclipsed the football itself.
He also criticized football's global governing body FIFA over its handling of a disciplinary case involving US player Folarin Balogun, claiming the reversal of a suspension following a direct red card raised serious questions.
"How is this possible? A direct red card should mean at least a one-match suspension," Bąk said. "This is absurd. It's a comedy show, not the World Cup."
Bąk also alleged that Argentina had benefited from favorable refereeing decisions during the tournament, citing several controversial incidents involving the defending champions.
"I'm not saying Argentina wouldn't reach the semifinals without help—they're a very strong team—but it feels like someone is watching over them," he said.
The former defender also lamented what he described as the growing commercialization of the World Cup, arguing that soaring ticket prices had made the tournament inaccessible to ordinary supporters.
"The World Cup used to be a celebration of football," he said. "Now it's an event for the elite. Ordinary fans can't afford to take their families. Football is no longer the priority."
Looking ahead to Tuesday's semifinal between France and Spain, Bąk described the match as "a final before the final" and said he expected France to prevail.
"I think France are playing the best football," he said. "The saddest thing is that instead of looking forward to the semifinals, you're wondering what the referees or FIFA will come up with next."
(pu/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP