The International Football Association Board-IFAB-which is the body responsible for setting football rules and providing clarification on such rules, has stated that the dismissal of Switzerland forward Breel Embolo against Argentina was wrong.
The incident, coupled with similar controversial refereeing decisions in Argentina’s win over Egypt in the round of 16 stage, led many to speculate that Lionel Messi’s Argentina was being favoured by referees. (Scroll down to watch video of incident)
Embolo was sent off in Switzerland’s 3-1 loss to Argentina after extra time with the game ending 1-1 after regulation time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
The Swiss player was shown a second yellow card for mistaken identity after an incident involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.
However, IFAB’s ruling indicated that the Embolo incident did not warrant such punishment and the referee’s decision was wrong.
IFAB stated that the incident “can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offense that was penalized; the offense itself cannot be reviewed/changed.”
“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received.”
Embolo red card 👇
First one is not a foul according to the referee even tho there was a contact.
Second one is a foul.
FIFA should end this tournament and give the trophy to Argentina, all this is crazy at this point!🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/D5YDIz5bG2 pic.twitter.com/lTB4OOGMyR
— Depegan of Lagos 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@Mautiin01) July 12, 2026
