IFAB Rules Breel Embolo Red Card Was Incorrect

In Brief:

1. IFAB confirmed Breel Embolo’s red card against Argentina was wrong.
2. VAR incorrectly used the "mistaken identity" rule to review a foul instead of player identity.
3. The application was invalid for this tournament, though IFAB may permit simulation reviews in future rules.
4. Backed IFAB, calling for less VAR "re-refereeing" and stricter enforcement against time-wasting.

Football’s law-making body, IFAB, issued a official clarification confirming that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was incorrectly sent off following a VAR review during their 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina.

Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after VAR alerted the referee that Argentina’s Leandro Paredes had not committed a foul; however, IFAB clarified that the "mistaken identity" VAR clause can only be used to identify which player committed a penalized foul, not to review or alter the foul itself.

Although IFAB noted that applying mistaken identity to catch simulation was well received during the tournament and remains under consideration for future rule updates, it was not permitted under current rules at the 2026 World Cup.

UEFA praised IFAB’s clarification, reiterating that VAR should not "re-referee" matches and encouraging higher standards for video intervention alongside strict enforcement against time-wasting.