IFAB says Breel Embolo’s decisive red card against Argentina was incorrectly issued under current VAR mistaken identity rules.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), has confirmed that Switzerland forward, Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during his side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Argentina.
Embolo received a second yellow card in the 72nd minute after a VAR review ruled he had simulated being fouled by Argentina midfielder, Leandro Paredes. The dismissal came moments after Switzerland had equalised to make it 1-1, with Argentina eventually winning 3-1 after extra time.
The decision sparked widespread criticism, with Switzerland and several observers arguing that the red card changed the course of the match. Previous opponents Egypt also claimed officiating decisions had favoured Lionel Messi’s Argentina throughout the tournament.
In a clarification issued on Monday, IFAB said the incident should not have been reviewed under the current “mistaken identity” VAR protocol. The FIFA-backed lawmaking body explained that the rule only allows referees to identify the correct player to be sanctioned for an offence already penalised and cannot be used to reassess or change the offence itself.
“The referee made the wrong decision,” Switzerland coach, Murat Yakin said after the match. “I know they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed our game today, and it’s very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot.”
IFAB added that while expanding the mistaken identity clause to include incidents involving simulation is under review, the change has not yet been adopted and therefore should not have been applied during the World Cup.
The organisation also revealed that discussions on revising the VAR protocol have been ongoing since March, with Embolo’s dismissal among the incidents being considered as part of the review. IFAB meets annually to approve updates to the Laws of the Game before they take effect in major competitions and domestic seasons.
