Rules panel says sending Swiss player off in World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina was wrong

Switzerland’s Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, according to FIFA’s law-making panel IFAB. The decision involved Embolo’s second yellow card after a VAR review for alleged simulation in the 72nd minute, shortly after Switzerland equalized 1-1. Argentina ultimately won 3-1 in extra time, with the red-card call drawing complaints, including from Egypt’s referees community. On Monday, IFAB clarified that the World Cup VAR “mistaken identity” protocol does not apply to this type of incident, though it could in future competitions. IFAB said VAR can only identify the offending player, not reassess the offense itself.