The IFAB acknowledged an error in the use of VAR during Argentina-Switzerland and in Embolo's sending-off

The VAR was used to change a refereeing decision in a situation in which the protocol did not authorize its intervention.

The controversy over the sending off of Swiss forward Breel Embolo in the match between Argentina and Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup added a new chapter.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for establishing the rules of football, indirectly acknowledged that the VAR protocol was applied incorrectly in that play.

The IFAB acknowledged an error in the use of VAR during Argentina-Switzerland

The incident occurred in the 72nd minute, when the match was tied 1-1. Embolo and Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes went to challenge for the ball, but the Swiss player fell pretending to have been hit.

At first, the Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro cautioned the Albiceleste midfielder. However, after the intervention of the VAR which warned the referee that Paredes had not made contact with Embolo, the decision was changed: the card shown to the Argentine was rescinded and the Swiss forward received a yellow card which, being his second, resulted in his sending-off.

Pinheiro applied the new "mistaken identity" rule, under which the VAR intervenes if the referee makes a mistake regarding the recipient of the yellow card, but it does not authorize reviewing the nature of the infringement or changing the original interpretation of the play in those types of situations.

For this reason, according to IFAB, the problem lay in the scope given to the review. Through Circular No. 34 issued this Tuesday on its official X account, the organization explained:

"A yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed/changed," it states.

In other words, the referee should have shown Paredes the caution, but not shifted the burden to Embolo.

The video assistant referee can only intervene in specific situations such as straight red cards, goals or penalties, but not in a second yellow card for simulation. Embolo, who already had a yellow card, was sent off after Pinheiro confirmed it with the VAR, something that should not have happened.

The decision had a direct impact on the course of the match: Switzerland was reduced to ten men during the final stretch and Argentina ultimately prevailed 3-1 in extra time.