FIFA’s Stance on VAR Intervention
FIFA has publicly defended the decision to send off Switzerland’s Breel Embolo during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina. The global governing body stated that the intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology aligned 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,” highlighted that their interpretation of mistaken identity was consistently applied throughout the World Cup. The spokesperson noted two specific instances where a player was incorrectly identified for an offense that would typically result in a yellow card. In these cases, the video referee advised the main referee to correct the factual error, which arose from an opponent’s simulation.
The spokesperson further elaborated that simulation itself is not to be questioned, and it should not lead to disciplinary action against an opponent that could have further consequences. Such consequences might include a sending-off due to a second yellow card or a suspension from accumulated cards. FIFA maintained that the decision was not an error by either the referee or the Video Assistant Referee, but rather a “correction in the interests of justice.”
Incident Details and IFAB’s Response
The incident involving Embolo occurred early in the second half of the quarter-final. Embolo went down without any contact from Argentina’s Leandro Paredes. The Portuguese referee, Joao Pinheiro, initially awarded a foul against Paredes and issued him a booking. However, the video referee intervened, and after reviewing the play, determined that Embolo had simulated the foul.
As a result of the VAR review, Paredes’s caution was rescinded, and the yellow card was instead issued to the Swiss forward, Embolo. 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 capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring two goals in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory and advance to the semi-final.
FIFA acknowledged IFAB’s comments, which were contained in a circular, and confirmed ongoing communication with them. IFAB reportedly confirmed that FIFA’s interpretation is correct and has been well-received. This interpretation is expected to be part of future discussions regarding the review of the Video Assistant Referee technology protocol, as previously discussed at the last annual general meeting.
Referee Pinheiro’s Perspective
Referee Joao Pinheiro also addressed the controversial sending-off following the World Cup. In an interview, Pinheiro explained that his officiating team initially believed an offense worthy of a booking had occurred against the Argentine player. However, the review of the play clearly showed that there was no foul and that the opponent had simulated the contact.
Pinheiro stated that since it was Embolo’s second yellow card, it resulted in a sending-off. He added that if it had been the first yellow card, the decision would have been the same. The referee viewed the changes introduced by FIFA to correct such actions positively. A similar incident had previously occurred during the group stage match between Paraguay and the United States, where Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was cautioned for attempting to deceive the referee.
The match also featured a discussion between Pinheiro and Lionel Messi, where the Argentine captain asked the referee to speak to him respectfully. Pinheiro downplayed the exchange, noting that such dialogues are common with captains and that the new rules permit such interactions. He believes that because it involved Messi, the incident received more attention, but it is a routine occurrence with many footballers, especially high-profile players like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Pinheiro considers these conversations healthy and helpful for managing matches without excessive use of cards, suggesting they can lead to mutual understanding.
Source: goal.com
