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Switzerland’s Breel Embolo became the first player to be sent off after a VAR review in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Published on 12 Jul 2026
The World Cup has seen its first “wrong” red card, it’s from Switzerland Breel Embolo was sent off in his team’s quarterfinal against Argentina in Kansas City.
Embolo became the first player to be penalized for a foul when he was sent off in the 72nd minute of Saturday’s game.
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It all started when Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for a foul on Embolo, but the decision was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 71st minute.
Play restarted but was stopped again when a VAR review was called, and not only was the decision overturned, but Embolo was shown his second yellow of the game for a foul and sent off by match referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro.
Why was Embolo shown the wrong yellow card by VAR?
The 29-year-old was adjudged to have dived as he tussled with Paredes, but the referee apparently did not see this and penalized the Argentine first.
However, the VAR team – which works remotely – took note of the incident and called for a review. As soon as referee Pinheiro saw the replays and consulted with the VAR team, he returned to the pitch to remove Paredes’ yellow and replace him with Embolo.
The Swiss player was having a tough time with the previous booking and was sent off in the 72nd minute with the goal down.
How did Switzerland react to the reservation?
The Swiss players and the bench argued with the referee but to no avail. They were not happy with the decision, but many experts and neutrals agreed that the decision was correct.
Embolo was crying and was comforted by his friends as he left.
What is wrong identification?
The misidentification has been labeled “match-fixing” by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the international body that oversees football’s rules.
According to his definition, a foul is “when the referee shows a yellow or red card but clearly penalizes the wrong player of either team for the foul”.
The new VAR rules for the game allow fouls to be identified and reviewed by the VAR team.
How did Embolo’s card affect the match?
Up until Embolo’s booking, the match had been well settled in terms of control and goals, which ended at 1-1 with 20 minutes to go.
While Switzerland held on until the end of regulation time, they paid the price for being man down by losing two goals in extra time and were eliminated.
