IFAB says Breel Embolo red card against Argentina at World Cup 2026 was wrong

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has ruled that the red card shown to Switzerland forward Breel Embolo against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final was incorrect, admitting that the VAR review which led to his second yellow card should not have taken place.

Embolo was dismissed in the 72nd minute in Kansas City, only moments after Switzerland had equalised to make it 1-1, following a video review for alleged simulation. IFAB has now clarified that the use of VAR in that incident did not comply with the protocols in force during the tournament.

Argentina went on to win the match 3-1 after extra time, with the sending-off widely viewed as a turning point. The decision sparked significant controversy, including criticism from players and coaches of the Egypt national team, who argued that referees were favouring Lionel Messi’s side in key decisions.

VAR protocol ‘not applicable’ in Embolo incident

In a clarification published on Monday, IFAB – the body recognised by FIFA as the guardian of the Laws of the Game – stated that the specific VAR protocol used in the Embolo incident, relating to “mistaken identity”, could not be applied to that type of situation at the 2026 World Cup.

The board confirmed that while the protocol might be considered for use in similar cases in future competitions, it was not designed to cover incidents such as Embolo’s alleged dive during that tournament.

A formal IFAB statement said: “However, this protocol must not be used in this way until that review has been completed.”

Embolo had gone to ground after contact with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was initially shown a yellow card by the referee. VAR officials then advised that Paredes had not committed a foul, leading the referee to book Embolo for simulation instead.

As it was Embolo’s second yellow card of the game, he was sent off, leaving Switzerland to finish the quarter-final with 10 men. IFAB has now made clear that this is not how the “mistaken identity” provision is currently intended to operate.

Under existing guidelines, the clause is meant solely to correct situations where the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player – one who did not actually commit the original offence for which the punishment was given.

Yakin: ‘This rule destroyed our match’

Speaking after the match in Kansas City, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin condemned the decision and the way the law had been applied.

“The referee made the wrong decision,” Yakin said. “I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our match today, and that hurts a lot, and going out in this way is very painful.”

IFAB later underlined that, under current regulations, a yellow card “can only be reviewed to confirm the identity of the player who committed the offence that was penalised, and the offence itself cannot be reviewed or changed”.

IFAB reviewing VAR framework

IFAB confirmed that a wider review of VAR protocols has been under way since March, and acknowledged that incidents like Embolo’s dismissal are part of that process.

The Zurich-based body said: “The use of the mistaken identity provision to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received.”

However, despite that positive reception, IFAB stressed that any expansion of the “mistaken identity” protocol to cover simulation or similar incidents would require the ongoing review to be completed before such changes could be formally introduced.

IFAB is made up of representatives appointed by FIFA alongside delegates from the four British football associations. The board holds its annual general meeting in February or March each year to update the Laws of the Game, with any changes then implemented either in major tournaments or at the start of the following domestic season.