IFAB acknowledges the red card issued to Embolo during the World Cup match against Argentina
IFAB has stated that Breel Embolo’s crucial red card against Argentina was wrongly given according to the current VAR mistaken identity regulations.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has confirmed that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have received a red card during his team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal loss to Argentina.
Embolo was shown a second yellow card in the 72nd minute following a VAR review that determined he had feigned being fouled by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. The dismissal occurred just after Switzerland had equalised to bring the score to 1-1, with Argentina ultimately securing a 3-1 victory after extra time.
The decision ignited significant backlash, as Switzerland and various observers contended that the red card altered the trajectory of the match. Previous opponents Egypt also asserted that officiating decisions had favored Lionel Messi’s Argentina during the tournament.
On Monday, IFAB issued a clarification stating that the incident should not have been reviewed according to 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 offense already penalized and cannot be used to reassess or change the offense itself.
“The referee made the wrong decision,” said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin after the match. “I understand they will stand by their referee, but this rule ruined our game today, and it’s incredibly painful. Being eliminated in such a manner is deeply upsetting.”
IFAB stated that although the expansion of the mistaken identity clause to encompass incidents of simulation is currently under review, this change has not yet been implemented and should not have been applied during the World Cup.
The organization has disclosed that talks regarding the revision of the VAR protocol have been in progress since March, with Embolo’s dismissal being one of the incidents under consideration in the review. IFAB convenes each year to sanction revisions to the Laws of the Game prior to their implementation in significant competitions and domestic leagues.
