IFAB: VAR wrong to send off Switzerland's Embolo in World Cup quarter-final against Argentina
The IFAB circular states the mistaken identity rule cannot be used to change the nature of an offence, meaning Breel Embolo's second yellow for simulation against Argentina on July 12 should not have been applied, ruling Switzerland's elimination in extra time was shaped by an officiating mistake.
Breel Embolo's dismissal in the World Cup quarter-final was a defining moment of Switzerland's campaign. Now the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has confirmed the referee's decision had no basis in the VAR protocol.
The incident
Switzerland had just equalised against Argentina in Kansas City on 12 July. In the 72nd minute, with the score 1-1, forward Breel Embolo went down after a challenge by Leandro Paredes. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Paredes for a foul. The video assistant referee (VAR) intervened, arguing there was no contact and that Embolo had simulated. Using the mistaken identity clause, Pinheiro cancelled Paredes's yellow card and instead showed Embolo a second yellow for simulation. Embolo was sent off and Switzerland, reduced to ten men, lost 3-1 after extra time. Defending champions Argentina subsequently lost the final to Spain.
- Referee books Paredes for a foul on Embolo; VAR intervenes, cancels the booking and gives Embolo a second yellow for simulation
- 10-man Switzerland loses 3-1 to Argentina
- IFAB circular confirms VAR wrong to change the offence; Embolo's dismissal was incorrect
IFAB's clarification
In a circular obtained by The Athletic and dated Monday 27 July, the IFAB stated that the VAR protocol was misapplied. Mistaken identity reviews exist solely to ensure the correct player is sanctioned; they cannot be used to change the nature of the offence from a foul to simulation.
A yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed / changed.
Because Paredes had not been previously booked, his yellow was not a second caution. Therefore, the VAR had no authority to reassess the incident and issue Embolo a second booking. The IFAB acknowledged that the idea of retrospectively penalising simulation had been well received, but stressed it cannot be applied until the VAR protocol review is complete.
Swiss reaction
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said the error ruined his team's chance at a first-ever World Cup semi-final.
It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it's painful to lose that way.
The ruling body's admission validates Swiss frustration. UEFA and the Swiss Football League had already indicated they would follow the IFAB's interpretation, and the published circular now hardens that position.
What happens next
The IFAB said the use of mistaken identity to address simulation "will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol" but cannot be used until that review concludes. For now, no similar intervention can be justified in any competition following IFAB laws. The incident will serve as a case study when the protocol is updated, but it does not change Switzerland's elimination or Argentina's progression.
