By Sanjay Menon — 29 July 2026 — 3 min read FIFA defends VAR intervention FIFA has defended the decision to send off Switzerland’s Breel Embolo during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina. The global football governing body stated that the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was consistent with an approved interpretation of the “mistaken identity” clause. This clarification comes despite the controversy surrounding the incident and comments from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). A spokesperson for FIFA, quoted on the platform “X”, explained that the interpretation of mistaken identity was applied consistently throughout the World Cup. There were two instances where a player was incorrectly identified as having committed an offense warranting a yellow card. In these cases, the video referee advised the main referee to correct the factual error that resulted from an opponent’s simulation. Details of the incident The incident involving Embolo occurred early in the second half of the quarter-final. Embolo went down without contact from Argentina’s Leandro Paredes. The Portuguese referee, Joao Pinheiro, initially awarded a foul against the Argentine player and issued a booking. However, the video referee intervened. After reviewing the play, it was determined that Embolo had simulated being fouled. Consequently, Paredes’s caution was rescinded, and the card was instead issued to the Swiss forward. As this was Embolo’s second yellow card of the match, he was sent off in the 72nd minute. At the time of the red card, the score was 1-1. Argentina capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring two goals in extra time to win 3-1 and advance to the semi-final. Referee’s perspective and IFAB’s stance Referee Joao Pinheiro later explained his initial decision and the subsequent correction. He noted that his officiating team first believed an offense worthy of a booking had occurred. However, the review confirmed there was no foul and that simulation had taken place. Pinheiro stated that if it had been the first yellow card, the decision would have been the same. He views these changes introduced by FIFA positively for correcting such actions. FIFA’s spokesperson further added that the simulation itself cannot be questioned and should not lead to a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that could have additional consequences, such as a sending-off due to a second yellow card or a suspension from accumulated cards. FIFA does not consider this to have been an error by either the referee or the VAR, stating that the decision was a “correction in the interests of justice.” FIFA acknowledged IFAB’s comments in its circular and confirmed ongoing communication. IFAB has reportedly confirmed that this interpretation is correct, has been well received, and will be part of future discussions regarding the review of the VAR technology protocol, as discussed at the last annual general meeting. A similar incident had previously occurred in the group stage match between Paraguay and the United States, where Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was also cautioned for attempting to deceive the referee. Referee’s interaction with Messi The match also featured a discussion between Pinheiro and Lionel Messi. Cameras captured Messi asking the referee to speak to him respectfully. Pinheiro downplayed the exchange, stating it was not an unusual situation. He mentioned that captains frequently speak with referees, and current rules permit such dialogue. Pinheiro believes that because it involved Messi, the interaction received more attention, noting that such situations are often viewed differently when they involve prominent players like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Pinheiro views these conversations as healthy and helpful for managing matches without constantly issuing cards. He suggested that Messi might have misinterpreted something he did, but they discussed it, understood each other, and moved on. The referee also expressed his gratitude for the support received during the World Cup, particularly from Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese Federation, who accompanied the referees throughout the tournament. Source: goal.com Post navigation England expected to appoint Stephen Fleming as Test coach FIFA’s commercial proposal faces opposition