Soccer rules panel clarifies VAR process that World Cup red card for Switzerland’s Embolo was wrong
- On Monday, the Zurich-based IFAB clarified that the VAR protocol used during the Switzerland-Argentina World Cup quarterfinal for "mistaken identity" was ineligible for that specific incident, though it could apply in future competitions.
- Switzerland forward Breel Embolo received a second yellow card in the 72nd minute for alleged simulation after a video review involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, shifting the game's momentum.
- Following the match in Kansas City, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin criticized the refereeing, stating, "I know they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed our game today," and lamented the painful elimination.
- The protocol for "mistaken identity" is currently intended only to correct the referee when a card is shown to the wrong player, not to review or change the penalized offense itself, IFAB clarified.
- A broader review of VAR protocol has been ongoing since March, with IFAB acknowledging that incidents like Embolo's are part of the process to update The Laws of the Game.
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135 Articles
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the Laws of the Game, has issued a clarification regarding the application of VAR technology during the 2026 World Cup, concluding that Switzerland was drastically damaged against Argentina in the quarter-finals.
IFAB had pointed out that the VAR incorrectly applied the rule of "identity confusion" at the crossing between Argentina and Switzerland. Hours later, FIFA defended the actions of the arbitral team and assured that the interpretation was correct throughout the World Cup.The case reopened the debate on the use of the VAR and could result in a modification of the protocol.
The controversy generated by the expulsion of Swiss Breel Embolo to Argentina, in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, and the subsequent position of IFAB has found a response from FIFA. The agency responsible for the Rules of Gambling assured that that action did not fall within the assumptions reviewed by the ... Continue reading "FIFA gives another hand to Argentina: it clarifies that arbitration did not benefit it and endorses use of th…
IFAB admitted that Embolo's expulsion to Argentina violated the regulations, sparking suspicions of favoritism in the 2026 World Cup.
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