W/Cup: Embolo’s Red Card Against Argentina Was Wrong, Says IFAB

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has issued formal clarification confirming that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been dismissed during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, acknowledging a misapplication of the video assistant referee protocol.

Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review in the 72nd minute, shortly after Switzerland had levelled the match at 1-1.

The decision shifted momentum in Argentina’s favour, and the South Americans went on to win 3-1 after extra time.

The ruling drew widespread criticism at the time, with previous opponents Egypt among those alleging that officiating decisions throughout the tournament had favoured Lionel Messi’s side.

In a statement released on Monday, the FIFA-backed lawmaking panel confirmed that the “mistaken identity” provision within the VAR protocol was not applicable to the incident in question during the World Cup, though it noted the clause could potentially be extended to cover such scenarios in future tournaments.

“However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded,” IFAB, which is based in Zurich, said.

The incident occurred when Embolo went to ground following a challenge from Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, who was initially cautioned for the foul.

VAR officials subsequently intervened, determining that Paredes had not committed an offence and instructing the referee to instead caution Embolo – his second booking of the match, resulting in his dismissal.

Under the current framework, the “mistaken identity” clause exists solely to correct instances in which a card has been issued to the wrong individual – not the player who actually committed the original infringement.

IFAB stated that the provision “can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offense that was penalized,” adding that “the offense itself cannot be reviewed/changed.”

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin was scathing in his assessment following the match in Kansas City.

“The referee made the wrong decision,” he said. “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 has been conducting a broader review of VAR protocol since March, and confirmed that cases such as Embolo’s dismissal form part of that ongoing assessment.

Despite the misstep, the governing body noted a degree of overall support for the clause’s use during the tournament, stating that “the use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received.”

IFAB’s membership comprises officials appointed by FIFA alongside representatives of the four British football associations.

The body convenes annually, typically in February or March, to revise the Laws of the Game ahead of major tournaments or the start of a new season.