UEFA rejects application of the rule that led to Swiss striker's expulsion in the World Cup

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has informed video assistant referee (VAR) officials not to consider simulation or deception as part of the penalty for a mistaken identity foul, a rule currently used in the 2026 World Cup.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) made amendments to the video technology this summer.

VAR now has the ability to intervene to change a yellow card to a red card if the referee fails to identify the player committing the foul.

This happened twice in the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada; the first when the yellow card given to American defender Tim Ream was changed to be given to Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón for simulation.

The most controversial incident was in the quarterfinal match between Switzerland and Argentina, where Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute.

Argentinian player Leandro Paredes had received a yellow card for a strong challenge, but the Swiss striker was the one who initiated the contact.

Embolo had already received a yellow card, so the 29-year-old striker received his second yellow card after the VAR review.

The decision came just five minutes after Switzerland scored the equalizer in the quarterfinal match, as Argentina advanced with a 3-1 victory in extra time.