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A rule that gave rise to wide controversy
UEFA has issued strict instructions to VAR referees not to include acts or fraud in the “misidentification” rule, strongly rejecting the controversial mechanism at the 2026 World Cup.
The BBC reports that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made changes to VAR technology this summer, allowing a yellow card to be changed to a red card when the referee cannot accurately identify the perpetrator of the foul.
In the current World Cup, the rule was applied twice, the first time when the yellow card was transferred from the American Tim Reim to the Paraguayan Miguel Almiron under the pretext of acting, but the most controversial situation was in the round of 16 match between Switzerland and Argentina.
Swiss striker Brill Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute after VAR intervention, although Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was first booked for a hard tackle, but a review showed Embolo had started the contact and he received his second caution and was sent off.
The decision came just 5 minutes after Switzerland equalized in a crucial moment that turned the tide of a match that ended with Argentina winning 3-1 in extra time with Switzerland playing with ten men.
UEFA’s decision represents a clear rejection of expanding VAR’s powers in this way, amid fears that implementing the rule could open the door to excessive refereeing interventions that would cause widespread controversy and negatively impact the conduct of matches in European competitions.
