Refereeing Decisions in Focus: Embolo Incident Highlights IFAB Clarifications

In a recent clarification, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) addressed a controversial decision involving Switzerland forward Breel Embolo during the World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina. Embolo received a second yellow card for simulating a foul, affecting the match’s outcome.

When Embolo went to the ground following a challenge from Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, the VAR officials intervened. They advised the referee that Paredes did not foul Embolo. Subsequently, Embolo was issued a second yellow card and dismissed from the game. This decision helped Argentina gain an advantage, as they secured a 3-1 victory in extra time, leading to complaints of bias favoring Argentina.

On Monday, the Zurich-based IFAB published guidelines clarifying that the VAR protocol for “mistaken identity” wasn’t applicable to Embolo’s case during the World Cup. Mistaken identity reviews are only for situations where a card is incorrectly given to a player who did not commit the penalized foul.

“The referee made the wrong decision,” said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin, expressing his disappointment with how the rule impacted their match.

An ongoing review of VAR protocol, initiated last March, is considering incidents like Embolo’s. IFAB praised the acceptance of the mistaken identity clause to manage simulation offenses for future competitions like the FIFA World Cup 2026.

UEFA welcomed the IFAB’s clarifications as they gather referee leaders from their 55 member federations to revisit decision-making approaches. The emphasis is on maintaining a “lighter touch” in VAR use, aiming for quicker reviews and minimizing unnecessary re-assessment of decisions.

UEFA emphasized the importance of video reviews being limited to cases where a referee’s decision is “clearly and obviously incorrect.” They advocated for minimal intervention unless clear incidents are missed. UEFA also advocated for stricter enforcement of new rules against time-wasting, as agreed by IFAB in March. Referees will receive instructions to consistently apply these rules.

As UEFA prepares for the upcoming season, it will manage competitions such as the Champions League and qualification rounds for major tournaments, ensuring adherence to the updated protocols and guidelines.

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