Football’s lawmakers have confirmed that Switzerland striker Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said the Video Assistant Referee protocol was misapplied in the incident, according to a circular reported by French sports daily L’Equipe on Tuesday.
In the July 11 match in Kansas City, referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo. After a VAR review, the official cancelled that yellow card and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation, resulting in a second yellow and his dismissal.
IFAB clarified that “a yellow card, which is not a second yellow card, can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the foul; the foul itself cannot be reviewed/modified.”
The body stated that VAR can intervene over the identity of a cautioned player “but not to reverse the sanction, particularly in simulation situations.” Officials therefore should not have overturned the original decision, as there was no error regarding the player’s identity.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin had strongly criticised the call at the time, saying the rule application “destroyed the game.” Embolo left the pitch in tears after the red card.
The clarification has renewed debate over VAR’s expanded role and consistency at the 2026 tournament.
