FIFA defends Embolo's World Cup sending-off as 'co...

By Rohan Gupta — 29 July 2026 — 4 min read

FIFA’s Stance on VAR Intervention

FIFA, football’s global governing body, has publicly defended the decision to send off Switzerland‘s Breel Embolo during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina. The organisation stated that the intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the incident was consistent with an approved interpretation of the “mistaken identity” clause. This clarification comes despite the controversy surrounding the incident and comments made by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

According to a spokesperson quoted on FIFA‘s official account on the platform “X”, the interpretation of mistaken identity was applied uniformly throughout the World Cup. The spokesperson highlighted two instances where a player was incorrectly identified as having committed an offence that would warrant a yellow card. In these cases, the video referee advised the main referee to rectify the factual error, which arose from an opponent’s simulation.

The spokesperson further elaborated that simulation itself cannot be questioned and should not result in a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that could have additional consequences. Such consequences might include a sending-off due to a second yellow card or a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cards. FIFA does not consider the decision regarding Embolo to have been an error by either the referee or the Video Assistant Referee, viewing it instead as a “correction in the interests of justice.”

IFAB’s Reception and Referee’s Perspective

FIFA acknowledged IFAB‘s comments, which were contained in its circular, and confirmed ongoing communication with the board. IFAB has reportedly confirmed that this interpretation is correct, has been well received, and will be part of future discussions concerning the review of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology protocol, as previously discussed at the last annual general meeting.

The incident involving Embolo occurred early in the second half of the quarter-final. Embolo went down without contact from Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes. Initially, Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro 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 a foul. Consequently, Paredes‘ caution was rescinded, and the card was transferred to the Swiss forward. This was Embolo‘s second yellow card of the match, leading to his sending-off in the 72nd minute.

At the time of the red card, the score was level at 1-1. Argentina capitalised on having an extra player, scoring two goals in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory and advance to the semi-final. A similar incident had previously occurred during 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 Pinheiro’s Account and Messi Interaction

Referee Joao Pinheiro later discussed the controversial sending-off in an interview. He explained that his officiating team initially believed the Argentina player had committed a booking-worthy offence. However, the review confirmed there was no foul and that the opponent had simulated contact. Pinheiro stated that since it was Embolo‘s second yellow card, it resulted in a sending-off, adding that the decision would have been the same even if it had been the first yellow.

Pinheiro also addressed an interaction he had with Lionel Messi during the match, where the Argentina captain reportedly asked the referee to speak to him respectfully. Pinheiro downplayed the exchange, noting it was not an unusual situation. He explained that captains often speak with referees, and new rules permit such dialogue. He believes that Messi‘s prominence amplified the visibility of what he considered a routine exchange on the pitch, suggesting that similar situations involving other high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo often receive more attention.

The referee views these conversations as healthy and helpful for managing matches without excessive use of cards. He suggested that Messi might have misinterpreted something he did, but they discussed it, understood each other, and moved on. Pinheiro expressed gratitude for the support received during the World Cup, particularly from the president of the Portuguese Federation, Pedro Proença, who accompanied the referees throughout the tournament, marking the return of a Portuguese refereeing team to the final stage after twelve years.

Source: goal.com