The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has issued decisive instructions to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials not to include simulation or deception under the 'mistaken identity' rule, in a categorical rejection of the controversial mechanism currently applied in the 2026 World Cup.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) introduced amendments to VAR technology this summer, allowing a yellow card to be changed to a red when the referee fails to accurately identify the offender.

The rule has been applied twice in the current World Cup, first when the yellow card was transferred from American Tim Ream to Paraguayan Miguel Almirón on grounds of simulation, but the more controversial situation came in the round of 16 match between Switzerland and Argentina.

Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute after VAR intervention, even though Argentine Leandro Paredes initially received a yellow card for a strong tackle, but the review revealed that Embolo started the clash, resulting in his second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.

The decision came just five minutes after Switzerland scored the equalizer, at a crucial moment that turned the tide of the match, which ended with Argentina winning 3-1 in extra time after Switzerland played with ten men.

UEFA's decision represents a clear rejection of expanding VAR powers in this manner, amid concerns that applying this rule could open the door to excessive refereeing interventions that would spark widespread controversy and negatively affect the flow of matches in European competitions.