The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has acknowledged that a mistake was made in the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Switzerland’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, resulting in the controversial dismissal of striker Breel Embolo.
According to French sports newspaper L’Equipe, IFAB issued a circular clarifying that match officials incorrectly applied the VAR protocol during the July 11 encounter in Kansas City.
The clarification centred on an incident involving Embolo and Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Referee Joao Pinheiro initially showed Paredes a yellow card following a challenge on the Swiss forward. However, after a VAR review, the referee withdrew Paredes’ booking and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation, a decision that resulted in the striker receiving a second yellow card and being sent off.
IFAB has now explained that the protocol does not permit VAR to review or overturn a standard yellow-card offence unless there has been an error in identifying the player involved.
According to the game’s law-making body, VAR may only intervene in such situations to correct mistaken identity, not to reassess whether the caution itself was justified.
DailyInsightNG report that there was no dispute over the identity of the player initially cautioned, meaning the original decision should not have been altered.
The controversial dismissal drew strong criticism after the match, with Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin arguing that the interpretation of the rules had negatively affected the contest.
Embolo was visibly emotional as he left the pitch following the sending-off.
The IFAB clarification has also reignited debate among football fans, with many taking to social media to question the consistency of VAR decisions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although the governing body acknowledged that the protocol was misapplied, the clarification does not alter the result of the match, which saw Argentina progress to the next stage of the tournament.
The latest guidance is expected to serve as a reference for referees and VAR officials in future competitions as football authorities continue efforts to improve consistency in officiating.