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The controversy surrounding Switzerland’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final defeat to Argentina has taken another twist.
How? Well, football’s law-making body IFAB has confirmed that Breel Embolo’s dismissal should never have happened.
The Swiss striker was shown a second yellow card during the second half of the tense last-eight clash after VAR intervened to overturn a foul decision. Moments later, Switzerland were reduced to 10 men, and Argentina eventually capitalised, scoring twice in extra time to seal a 3-1 victory before reaching the final.
Now, IFAB has clarified that the video review process was incorrectly applied.
Where VAR Went Wrong
The incident unfolded with the score locked at 1-1. Embolo went to ground following a challenge from Argentina
midfielder Leandro Paredes, prompting referee João Pinheiro to initially caution Paredes.
However, after consulting VAR, the referee was informed that Paredes had not committed a foul. Instead, Embolo was booked for simulation, resulting in a second yellow card and his dismissal.
According to IFAB, that sequence should not have been possible under the current Laws of the Game.
“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,” IFAB said.
In other words, VAR can correct the identity of a player who has been mistakenly cautioned, but it cannot be used to change the referee’s judgement from a foul to simulation in incidents involving yellow cards.
Rule Could Change In Future
Interestingly, IFAB acknowledged that FIFA’s use of the mistaken identity clause during the 2026 World Cup had received positive feedback and could eventually become part of the official VAR protocol.
“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received… however, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded.”
Swiss Frustration Vindicated
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin had fiercely criticised the decision after the match, believing it completely altered the contest.
“It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it’s painful to lose that way,” Yakin said.
The incident also fueled wider accusations that Argentina had benefited from favourable officiating during the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, UEFA welcomed IFAB’s clarification while reiterating that VAR should not become a tool to “re-referee” matches. Europe’s governing body has instructed referees to adopt a lighter touch this season, stressing that interventions should be reserved only for “blatantly incorrect” decisions or clear missed incidents.
For Switzerland, however, the clarification arrives far too late. The red card cannot be overturned, and neither can the result that ended their World Cup dream.
