Embolo Should Not Have Been Sent Off in Switzerland’s World Cup Loss to Argentina – IFAB

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been shown a second yellow card during his side’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, following a review of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol.

According to Reuters, the clarification was contained in a circular issued by football’s law-making body on Tuesday.

Embolo was sent off in the second half of the last-eight clash after receiving a second caution with the score tied at 1-1. Argentina went on to score twice in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory in Kansas City before eventually finishing runners-up to Spain.

The incident occurred after Embolo fell under a challenge from Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially cautioned Paredes for the challenge but reversed the decision after consulting the VAR, who advised that no foul had been committed.

READ ALSO: Argentina FA Threatens Legal Action Over World Cup Misinformation Campaign

Instead, Pinheiro booked Embolo for simulation, resulting in the Switzerland striker’s dismissal.

However, IFAB said the Laws of the Game do not permit VAR to review or change the offence leading to a yellow card, except in cases where the wrong player has been cautioned.

“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,” IFAB said.

The body acknowledged that the approach adopted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup had received positive feedback but stressed that it has not yet been formally incorporated into the VAR protocol.

“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol… however, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded.”

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin had strongly criticised the decision after the match, arguing that the interpretation of the rule unfairly affected his team’s chances of reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

“It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it’s painful to lose that way,” Yakin said.

Meanwhile, Argentina, the defending champions, progressed from the quarter-final but were beaten by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.