Football lawmaking body IFAB has admitted that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during their World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
The Protocol Error That Changed a World Cup Quarter-Final
The controversy centres on a 72nd-minute incident in Kansas City, arriving shortly after Switzerland had drawn level at 1-1 against Argentina. Switzerland forward Breel Embolo fell to the turf following a challenge from Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. While the referee initially issued a yellow card to Paredes, video assistant referees intervened to inform the official that Paredes had committed no foul at all.
Instead of simply correcting the card, the officials redirected the yellow caution toward Embolo. Because it was his second yellow card of the match, it triggered an automatic red card and dismissal. Argentina ultimately advanced with a 3-1 victory after extra time.
IFAB Clarifies Rules and Acknowledges Review Underway
The International Football Association Board, known as IFAB, issued a clarification regarding the incident. The lawmakers explained that the video review protocol concerning mistaken identity does not apply to simulation or diving scenarios during the tournament, though it might be adapted for future competitions.
But no such procedure may be used in this way until the protocol review is completed. IFAB, via Albayan
IFAB elaborated that a caution can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offense for which he was punished, while the offense itself cannot be reviewed or changed. The Zurich-based organization noted that a comprehensive review of the video assistant referee protocol has been underway since March, openly acknowledging that situations mirroring Embolo’s dismissal fall directly within the scope of that ongoing evaluation.
Reactions, Wider Criticism, and What Comes Next
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin expressed fierce frustration over the application of the rule, pointing directly to the decisive impact it had on his squad’s tournament elimination.
The referee made the wrong decision. I know they will defend their referee, but this interpretation of the law destroyed our game today. It hurts immensely, and going out this way hurts a lot. Murat Yakin, Switzerland coach, via Emaratalyoum
The dismissal also drew a wave of external criticism, including pointed objections from Egypt. Their former tournament opponents argued that officiating decisions consistently favored Lionel Messi’s side.
IFAB comprises officials appointed by FIFA alongside representatives from the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The body holds its annual general meeting each February or March to update the laws of the game, with modifications taking effect in major tournaments or at the start of the subsequent season.
