VAR and 'Mistaken Identity' Rule Spark Controversy in Switzerland's Elimination

Argentina advanced to the semifinals after a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, but the match was dominated by the controversial expulsion of Swiss striker Breel Embolo in the 72nd minute. The decision, which came after a VAR review using the expanded "mistaken identity" rule, sparked outrage from the Swiss camp.

The Incident

Embolo fell after a challenge from Leandro Paredes, and referee João Pinheiro initially showed a yellow card to the Argentine. However, VAR determined that there was no contact and that Embolo had simulated. The yellow was transferred to Embolo—his second of the match—resulting in his expulsion. Source: Clarín, La Voz The timing was critical: Switzerland had just equalized through Dan Ndoye and were pressing for a winner.

The Rule

The intervention was based on a modification to the VAR protocol approved by IFAB for the 2026 World Cup, which allows VAR to correct "mistaken identity" when a yellow card is shown to the wrong player, including cases of simulation. Source: Infobae, El Colombiano Previously, this was limited to red cards or cases of clear identity error.

Reactions

Swiss coach Murat Yakin called the rule "completamente inaceptable" and said it "destroyed our match." Source: Emol Defender Manuel Akanji stated he had "never played such an uneven match." Source: ABC.es Captain Granit Xhaka lamented that the red card changed everything. Source: Hoy Meanwhile, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that luck played a role. Source: Hoy