'Referee Made the Wrong Decision': Breel Embolo Red Card Controversy Explained By IFAB After FIFA Offers Clarification

Geneva, July 28: As the dust settles around the FIFA World Cup 2026, football's law-making panel has clarified that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was wrongfully sent off in the World Cup quarterfinals match against Argentina. Embolo's second yellow card, after a video review for simulating a foul.

The yellow card completely changed the momentum of the game in the 72nd minute, soon after Switzerland tied the game 1-1. Eventually, Argentina won 3-1 in extra time with a little help from the red-card decision that fuelled complaints, including from previous opponent Egypt. According to the allegations raised by both Egypt and Switzerland, referees had favoured Lionel Messi's team consistently throughout the tournament.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for "mistaken identity" was incorrectly applied during Switzerland's FIFA World Cup defeat to Argentina, while adding that the rule could be expanded for similar incidents in future tournaments.

The controversy centered around Swiss forward Breel Embolo, who was initially fouled by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. Although Paredes was shown a yellow card on the field, VAR intervened and informed the referee that the Argentine had not committed a foul. Following the review, Embolo was instead booked for simulation, receiving his second yellow card of the match and being sent off.

In a statement released on Monday, IFAB explained that the current VAR protocol does not permit the "mistaken identity" clause to be used in such situations. "However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded," the Zurich-based body said, while confirming that a broader review of VAR procedures has been underway since March.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin strongly criticized the decision after the match, insisting the officials had misapplied the law.

"The referee made the wrong decision," Yakin 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 further clarified that the "mistaken identity" provision is intended only to identify the correct player who committed the original offence, not to overturn or reassess the offence itself.

"The card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed or changed," the statement read.
Despite acknowledging the error, IFAB noted that the use of the rule in Embolo's case has been positively received as part of its ongoing review.

"The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received," the governing body said, indicating that the incident could influence future changes to the Laws of the Game.