IFAB confirms VAR error in Breel Embolo's World Cup red card incident
The International Football Association Board IFAB has clarified that Switzerland striker Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. According to French sports daily L’Equipe, IFAB, which governs the Laws of the Game, issued a circular confirming that the Video Assistant Referee VAR protocol was misapplied. IFAB stated that a yellow card, if not a second yellow, can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the foul, not to review or modify the foul itself. L’Equipe reported that VAR can intervene for errors in identifying a cautioned player, but not to reverse the sanction, especially in simulation situations. The error by VAR and the referee was reversing the initial decision, as there was no mistake in identifying the player being sanctioned. In the match on July 11 in Kansas City, referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo. VAR intervened, prompting the official to review the incident, after which Pinheiro canceled Paredes’ yellow card and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation. Switzerland coach Murat Yakin criticized the rule application at the time. The IFAB clarification emphasizes that officials should not have reversed the original sanction because there was no genuine error in identifying the cautioned player. This incident contributes to ongoing discussions about VAR's expanded powers and consistent application in the 2026 tourname
