Embolo's Red Card Against Argentina Questioned by Football Rule Body

A recent circular from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) suggests that Swiss player Breel Embolo was wrongly expelled during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina. The incident occurred in the 72nd minute when Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a foul on Embolo.

Video assistant referees (VAR) prompted the on-field referee, João Pinheiro, to review the play for a potential case of mistaken identity. Upon review, it was determined that Embolo had simulated the foul. The yellow card was rescinded from Paredes and issued to Embolo, who had already received a yellow card earlier in the match, resulting in his expulsion. Switzerland went on to lose the game 3-1 after extra time.

The IFAB circular clarifies that VAR should not have been used to change the initial decision regarding the simulation itself. "A yellow card that is not a second yellow card can only be controlled to identify the player who committed the foul; the foul itself must not be revised/changed," the statement reads. This implies that the referee should have only checked for mistaken identity, not re-evaluated the nature of the foul.

Paradoxically, this clarification could pave the way for future rule changes. The IFAB noted that the use of the "mistaken identity" clause for simulation during the World Cup was "well received" and will be included in a detailed VAR protocol report. However, it should not be used until this report is established. While the decision did not help Switzerland advance, Embolo's dive might contribute to evolving the laws of the game.

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A yellow card that is not a second yellow card can only be controlled to identify the player who committed the foul; the foul itself must not be revised/changed.