FIFA Stands by VAR Call in Argentina-switzerland Match Amid Controversy

WHO:

The Daily Star - FIFA, International Football Association Board (IFAB), Argentina, Switzerland, Breel Embolo, Leandro Paredes, Miguel Almirón, Lionel Messi, Egypt, Murat Yakin

WHAT:

The Daily Star - FIFA defended the application of the "mistaken identity" rule during Argentina's World Cup 2026 match against Switzerland.

NDTV Sports - Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card due to a VAR review that incorrectly identified Leandro Paredes as the player who committed a foul.

NDTV Sports - Argentina won the match against Switzerland 3-1 in extra time.

NDTV Sports - IFAB confirmed that the VAR intervention leading to Embolo's red card was incorrect.

WHERE:

NDTV Sports - The match took place in Kansas City.

WHEN:

The Daily Star - The incident occurred during a match on July 11.

NDTV Sports - IFAB stated that the review of VAR protocol is ongoing and may conclude in future competitions.

WHY:

The Daily Star - FIFA argued that a player should not face disciplinary consequences due to an opponent's simulation.

NDTV Sports - The controversy raised questions about refereeing bias in favor of Argentina, as voiced by fans and players from other teams.

HOW:

The Daily Star - FIFA maintained that the VAR intervention was consistent with the Laws of the Game and restored fairness.

NDTV Sports - IFAB clarified that the "mistaken identity" rule cannot be used to change the nature of the offence itself, only to identify the correct player who committed the foul.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 07:56 UTC)

FIFA has defended the application of the "mistaken identity" rule during Argentina's World Cup 2026 match against Switzerland, where Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review incorrectly identified Leandro Paredes as the player who committed a foul. Argentina ultimately won the match 3-1 in extra time, but the International Football Association Board confirmed that the VAR intervention leading to Embolo's red card was incorrect. The ongoing review of VAR protocol may lead to changes in future competitions, as FIFA argued that a player should not face disciplinary consequences due to an opponent's simulation, raising questions about refereeing bias in favor of Argentina.