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World Cup: VAR Controversy
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World Cup: VAR Controversy

WireByte Staff · July 13, 2026

Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent off in a quarterfinal match against Argentina due to a 'clear simulation' call made with the help of VAR, sparking controversy and debate over the 'mistaken identity' rule.

Key points

  • Breel Embolo, a Swiss forward, was given a second yellow card and sent off in a World Cup quarterfinal match against Argentina.
  • The decision was made after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, which deemed Embolo to have committed a 'clear simulation' under a challenge from Argentina's Leandro Paredes.
  • Argentina won the match 3-1 after extra time, with the sending off occurring five minutes after Switzerland had equalized at 1-1.
  • The 'mistaken identity' rule allows VAR to intervene when the referee penalizes the wrong team for an offense, but its application in this case has been disputed by Switzerland's coach.
  • The incident has sparked debate over the use of VAR in the World Cup and the clarity of the 'mistaken identity' rule.
  • The match was a pivotal moment in the tournament, with Argentina advancing to the next round and Switzerland being eliminated.

The World Cup has seen its share of controversies, and the latest incident involves the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. In a quarterfinal match between Switzerland and Argentina, Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review deemed him to have committed a 'clear simulation' under a challenge from Argentina's Leandro Paredes. The decision was made after the referee, Joao Pinheiro, did not see the incident in real time and was recommended to review the sideline monitor by the VAR. The 'mistaken identity' rule, which allows VAR to intervene when the referee penalizes the wrong team for an offense, was cited as the reason for the review. However, the application of this rule in this case has been disputed by Switzerland's coach, who claimed that the referee made the wrong decision. The incident has sparked debate over the use of VAR in the World Cup and the clarity of the 'mistaken identity' rule. Argentina went on to win the match 3-1 after extra time, advancing to the next round and eliminating Switzerland from the tournament.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.