Breel Embolo sent off in World Cup quarter-final after VAR mistaken identity review
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo received a red card during his country’s World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina, following a video assistant referee (VAR) review for mistaken identity. The incident occurred after 72 minutes of play, with Switzerland having recently equalized against the defending champions.
Embolo, who plays for French club Rennes, was initially booked in the first half. The second yellow card, leading to his dismissal, was issued for simulation. The sequence began when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes challenged Embolo, and the Portuguese referee João Pinheiro initially showed Paredes a yellow card. However, the VAR recommended a review, sending Pinheiro to the monitor.
Upon review, the official determined that Embolo had simulated a foul. Since a yellow card is issued for simulation, and Embolo had already received a caution earlier in the match for a foul on Paredes, he was consequently sent off. This left Switzerland playing with ten men for the remainder of the game, including extra time.
Swiss coach criticizes rule application
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin expressed strong disapproval of the decision and the rule that led to it. He stated that there was no reason for the initial yellow card to Paredes, describing the situation as harmless. Yakin commented that the rule “destroyed our game” and that it was “extremely hurtful” to lose in such a manner. He also noted that he was unaware of the specific rule change before the match.
The decision was announced over the stadium’s public address system, leading to celebrations among the pro-Argentina crowd. Embolo was visibly distressed, leaving the pitch in tears and being consoled by his teammates. Yakin later described Embolo as “shattered,” adding that it was a “referee mistake” that hurt both the player and the team.
Midfielder Remo Freuler echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating, “It’s just a disaster.” He questioned the referee’s actions and the VAR’s intervention in what he considered a common type of foul. Freuler expressed confusion about how VAR could alter a game in such a situation, suggesting the referee should have been allowed to continue without intervention.
New mistaken identity rule in focus
This incident marked the second time the expanded “mistaken identity” rule has been applied in this manner during the World Cup. The rule, introduced by FIFA for the tournament and specifically requested by head of referees Pierluigi Collina, allows for a decision to be changed if a player is booked or sent off but the foul was actually committed by the opposition team.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) expanded the definition of “mistaken identity” before the World Cup 2026. Previously, this rule was primarily used when a card was mistakenly shown to the wrong player for a foul committed by a teammate. The updated rule now covers situations where a player is booked, but the offense was committed by the opposing team, such as in cases of simulation.
An earlier instance of the rule’s application occurred in a match between the United States and Paraguay. In that game, USA defender Tim Ream was initially cautioned for a foul on Miguel Almirón. VAR intervened, and the referee subsequently rescinded Ream’s yellow card, instead booking Almirón for simulation.
Pundits offered limited sympathy for Embolo. Former Major League Soccer striker Bradley Wright-Phillips stated he felt for Embolo’s teammates but not for Embolo himself, suggesting the player had potentially cost his team a semi-final spot. Former Jamaica international Jobi McAnuff added that Embolo had let himself and his teammates down, noting that while it was simulation, one could still feel some sympathy for him.
Despite playing with ten men, Switzerland‘s coach Yakin praised his team’s passion. Argentina ultimately secured a 3-1 victory in extra time, advancing to face England in the semi-finals.
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Source: bbc.com
