Fifa backs Breel Embolo red card decision and says VAR ruling followed ‘wrong identity’ law

Fifa has defended the decision to send off Breel Embolo in Switzerland’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final defeat by Argentina, insisting the intervention of the video assistant referee (VAR) correctly applied the game’s “wrong identity” provisions and had the backing of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

In a statement carried on its official X account, a Fifa spokesperson said its interpretation of situations where the wrong player has initially been booked had been used consistently throughout the tournament, despite controversy surrounding Embolo’s dismissal and subsequent public comments from IFAB.

“Fifa’s interpretation of wrong identity has been applied consistently during the World Cup,” the spokesperson said. “There were two occasions where a player was wrongly identified as having committed a cautionable offence, and the VAR advised the referee to correct the factual error caused by the opponent’s simulation.”

The official stressed that while simulation is punishable, it should not result in knock-on disciplinary consequences for an innocent player, such as a second yellow card and dismissal or a suspension through accumulation of bookings.

“The simulation itself cannot be questioned and should not lead to a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that could have further consequences, such as a sending-off for a second yellow card or a suspension due to accumulated cautions,” the spokesperson added.

No error by referee or VAR, says Fifa

Fifa rejected suggestions that either the on-field referee or the VAR team had made a mistake in handling the incident, describing the final outcome as an example of technology being used to restore fairness.

“We do not consider that this was an error by the referee or the VAR, and the decision was a correction of justice,” the spokesperson said.

Fifa also moved to address the perception of a rift with IFAB, the body responsible for the Laws of the Game, after its circular referencing the incident prompted debate.

“We are aware of the comments of IFAB in its circular and have been in contact with them throughout,” the spokesperson continued. “They have confirmed that this interpretation is correct, that it was well received, and that it will form part of the discussions regarding the review of the VAR protocol, as discussed at the most recent annual general meeting.”

How the Embolo incident unfolded

The controversy arose in the second half of the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, when Embolo went to ground without any contact from Leandro Paredes.

Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro initially awarded a free-kick in Switzerland’s favour, judged that Paredes had committed a foul and showed the Argentina midfielder a yellow card.

Following a review, VAR advised Pinheiro that Embolo had simulated the foul. The caution for Paredes was cancelled and instead transferred to Embolo for attempting to deceive the referee.

Because the Switzerland forward had already been booked earlier in the match, the new yellow card meant he was sent off in the 72nd minute.

The score was 1-1 at the time of the dismissal. Argentina then made their numerical advantage count in extra time, scoring twice to win 3-1 and reach the semi-finals.

Comparable incident in group stage

Fifa highlighted that a similar situation had occurred earlier in the tournament, underlining its claim of consistent application.

During the group stage match between Paraguay and USA, Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was ultimately cautioned for attempting to deceive the referee, following a review that determined he had tried to simulate a foul.

As with the Embolo incident, VAR played a role in ensuring the player deemed to have committed an act of simulation was the one punished, rather than an opponent incorrectly identified in real time.