FIFA responds to controversy surrounding Embolo red card against Argentina

A FIFA spokesperson addressed the controversy sparked by a statement from IFAB, in which the board acknowledged that Breel Embolo’s red card against Argentina did not fall under the scope of VAR review.

Despite the controversy, both organizations viewed the application of the rule favorably in a scenario where the Swiss forward was severely impacted. A similar incident occurred during the group stage when Miguel Almirón received his first yellow card. “The decision restored justice,” FIFA stated.

FIFA Statement

“FIFA’s interpretation of Mistaken Identity was applied consistently throughout the FIFA World Cup. There were two instances in which a player was mistakenly identified as having committed a yellow-card offense, and VAR advised the referee to correct the factual error caused by the opponent’s simulation.

Simulation itself cannot be disputed and should not result in a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that could lead to further consequences, such as an ejection for a second yellow card or a match suspension due to yellow-card accumulation.”

“We do not consider this to have been an error by the referee or VAR, and the decision restored justice. We noted IFAB’s comments in its Circular, have been in contact with them throughout the process, and they confirmed that this interpretation is valid, was well received, and will form part of the discussion regarding revisions to the VAR Protocol, as discussed at the recent AGM.”

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