EXPLAINED: What Is 'Mistaken Identity' Rule Which Led To Red Card For Breel Embolo?

The bandwagon of controversy continues in yet another game of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The toxic cocktail of VAR, red cards, and referees has put yet another game of the world champions in the dark alleys of controversy. This time it was an incident involving Breel Embolo and Leandro Paredes in a weird 'mistaken identity' rule that marred the closely contested game between Switzerland and Argentina.

The incident happened long before Lionel Messi and Co thrashed the Swiss side 3-1, marching on to back-to-back semifinals. While the entire Swiss camp protested vehemently against the harsh decision of the referee, he was just following the IFAB rule. But to understand what transpired on that pitch, let us first break down what the 'mistaken identity' rule is.

What Was The 'Controversy'?

The controversy unfolded in the 72nd minute (72:05'), when Switzerland striker Breel Embolo went down inside the penalty area under a challenge from Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. The referee initially believed Paredes had committed a foul and showed the Argentine a yellow card.

However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised an on-field review. Replays showed there had been no foul and that Embolo had simulated the contact in an attempt to win a penalty. After reviewing the footage, the referee rescinded Paredes' booking and, under FIFA's newly introduced "mistaken identity" rule, transferred the yellow card to Embolo.

Had the referee spotted the simulation immediately, Embolo would have been cautioned for diving in the first instance. But since the yellow card had already been issued to the wrong player, the laws allowed it to be withdrawn from Paredes and reassigned to Embolo.

What Is 'Mistaken Identity' Rule?

According to the updated IFAB (International Football Association Board) Laws, introduced just before the FIFA World Cup 2026, a yellow card issued to the wrong player cannot simply be cancelled. Instead, it must be transferred to the player who actually committed the offence under the "mistaken identity" rule.

"When the referee shows a yellow or red card but has clearly penalised the wrong player of either team for the offence in question, the offence itself cannot be reviewed except in the context of mistaken identity."

This was not the first time the rule had been used at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Earlier in the tournament, during the USA's group-stage match against Paraguay, American defender Tim Ream was mistakenly shown a yellow card. After a VAR review confirmed that Paraguay's Miguel Almirón had dived, Ream's booking was cancelled and the yellow card was given to Almirón instead.

However, the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland showed how controversial the rule can become. Switzerland had fought back into the game through Dan Ndoye's equaliser in the 67th minute and were in control of the momentum. Just five minutes later, the VAR intervention and the yellow-card transfer proved to be a major turning point in the match.

The officials in the Kansas City stadium were sold a dummy by Breel Embolo as he faked his dive. In the end, the Swiss striker was penalised with a yellow card and was sent off (due to back-to-back yellow). However, it also put light on the use of VAR whose true purpose is being put into question.

Switzerland Coach Blasts Away Controversial IFAB Rule

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin did not hold back after the match, directing his frustration at FIFA's "mistaken identity" rule, which he believed played a decisive role in his side's quarter-final exit.

"We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable," Yakin said. "It's very painful that we were eliminated that way. I don't think we deserve that today, and in my opinion, my boys are the real heroes. They put all their heart and their passion into their performance. I am very proud. They are very proud."

The Swiss manager also questioned the referee's interpretation of the incident, insisting the decision changed the course of the game.

"The referee made the wrong decision," Yakin added. "It was, in my opinion, a harmless foul, if it even was a foul. 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."