The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has confirmed that the red card shown to Switzerland’s Breel Embolo during their 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina was issued incorrectly.
Embolo was dismissed in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card following a VAR review. Initially, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul, but VAR officials later advised the referee that no foul had occurred and that Embolo had simulated the contact. The referee then rescinded Paredes’ yellow card and booked Embolo instead, resulting in his expulsion.
Argentina went on to win 3-1 after extra time, a result that sparked criticism given the controversial nature of the red card decision.
Why the Red Card Was a Procedural Error
IFAB clarified that under the current Laws of the Game, the VAR protocol for "mistaken identity" is intended only to correct cases where a referee mistakenly cautions or sends off the wrong player involved in an incident. It does not allow for reversing a disciplinary action from one player and assigning it to another.
In Embolo’s case, the referee used the mistaken identity protocol to transfer the booking from Paredes to Embolo, which is outside the scope of this rule. While IFAB noted that future rule changes might permit such an application, it was not allowed during the 2026 World Cup.
This procedural error contributed to Switzerland’s elimination and has fueled ongoing complaints from Swiss officials and fans.
Broader Context
- The match incident intensified debate over refereeing decisions at the tournament.
- Separately, FIFA’s Integrity Task Force is investigating alleged match-fixing claims related to the 2026 World Cup.
- The controversy adds to scrutiny surrounding refereeing protocols and the use of VAR in major competitions.
