IFAB Clarifies VAR Protocol After Controversial Switzerland vs. Argentina Call
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), soccer's rules panel, has clarified its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, confirming that a red card wrongly issued to Switzerland's Breel Embolo during a World Cup quarterfinal match against Argentina was an incorrect application…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 28, 2026 —
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the Laws of Football, has issued a clarification to its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol. This clarification addresses the incorrect application of rules during a World Cup quarterfinal match between Switzerland and Argentina, specifically concerning a red card shown to Switzerland’s Breel Embolo.
According to the IFAB’s statement, the VAR system was wrongly utilized in the incident involving Embolo. The panel confirmed that the red card was an incorrect application of the established rules. The clarification emphasizes that the primary function of VAR in such situations is limited to identifying the specific player who committed an offense. It explicitly states that VAR should not be used to re-evaluate the nature of the offense itself.
This point is particularly relevant in instances where a player might be wrongly identified, such as in cases of alleged simulation. The IFAB’s guidance underlines that VAR’s role is not to judge the player’s intent or actions for simulation, but solely to ensure the correct individual is held accountable if an offense has occurred and has been identified by the on-field officials. The incident highlighted a potential misunderstanding or overreach in how VAR was being applied, leading to the need for this definitive clarification to prevent similar occurrences in future matches.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
