The controversy surrounding Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign has been reignited after IFAB ruled that a red card decision that benefited La Albiceleste was not eligible for review.
Embolo red card incident
Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off during the quarter-final against Argentina after appearing to dive under a challenge from Leandro Paredes. Already on a yellow card, Embolo collapsed and the referee initially cautioned Paredes. However, upon review using the 'mistaken identity' rule, the official determined that Embolo had not been touched and dismissed him for simulation.
IFAB statement
IFAB, the FIFA-endorsed rules panel, has now declared that the incident was not eligible for review under current protocols. In a statement, IFAB said: 'A yellow card (caution) other than a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the sanctioned offence; the offence itself cannot be reviewed or amended.' The statement added: 'The use of the mistaken identity clause to address simulation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup 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.'
Impact and reaction
At the time of the red card, Switzerland were level in the match and pushing for a goal. Instead, they were forced to hold on through extra time and eventually lost to Argentina. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin reacted strongly, saying: 'The VAR and referee, the fact they introduced such a rule is unnecessary and I try to put it in very kind words but I think it is extremely hurtful. We are not going to go to the semi-finals but I think we deserved to be there.' He added: 'We were punished for a rule that is completely unacceptable. I don't understand. It is very painful we are eliminated that way. I don't think we deserved it and in my opinion our boys are the real heroes.' Yakin also said: 'The referee makes that one decision that he interfered, it is completely misunderstandable. That is a situation that happened many times previously. He awarded a yellow card. This rule destroyed our game today.'
