IFAB Admits Refereeing Error in Embolo's World Cup Expulsion Against Argentina

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for football's Laws of the Game, has admitted that a refereeing decision during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match between Switzerland and Argentina was incorrect. The incident involved Swiss player Breel Embolo, whose expulsion in the 72nd minute, with the score tied 1-1, has now been highlighted as a significant error.

Initially, the referee cautioned Argentina's Leandro Paredes for a foul on Embolo. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Paredes received no card, while Embolo was shown a second yellow for simulation, leading to his dismissal. This controversial call contributed to Argentina's eventual 3-1 victory in extra time, sparking protests and accusations of referee bias from Egypt, Argentina's previous opponent.

IFAB's clarification, as reported by various media outlets, stated that a yellow card, unless it's a second caution, cannot be reviewed by VAR to change its nature. The VAR's role is limited to identifying the correct player who committed the foul, not to alter the offense itself or recommend a change from a foul to simulation resulting in an expulsion.

This admission follows other similar incidents during the tournament, including a case where a referee cautioned US defender Tim Ream for a foul, but VAR intervened to identify the correct offender, ultimately booking Paraguay's Miguel Almirón for simulation. IFAB noted that while the 'mistaken identity' clause was generally well-received, its application in cases like Embolo's is under broader review. The board emphasized that the protocol for 'mistaken identity' was not applicable in such incidents during the World Cup, despite its original purpose being to correct the referee when the wrong player is cautioned for an offense.