World Cup 2026: Breel Embolo sent off as result of mistaken identity rule

Switzerland were drawing 1-1 with Argentina when Embolo was sent off

Switzerland's Breel Embolo became the first player to be sent off as a result of a new law for mistaken identity at this summer's World Cup.

Embolo, booked in the first half, was sent off after 72 minutes of his country's quarter-final defeat by Argentina following a second yellow card for simulation.

The caution was initially handed to Argentina's Leandro Paredes for what at first appeared a clumsy challenge, until the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened to send referee Joao Pinheiro to the monitor.

On review, the official deemed Embolo to have dived.

The Switzerland forward was distraught to be shown a red card with his side having levelled against the defending world champions just five minutes earlier.

Embolo, 29, left the pitch in Kansas City in tears, consoled by his team-mates.

"There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card," said Swiss coach Murat Yakin. "It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.

"We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don't understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful. It's a rule that has nothing to do with football.

"It destroyed our game. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way."

However, there was limited sympathy for Embolo, who plays for French club Rennes, from pundits watching the match.

"I feel for Embolo's team-mates, I don't feel for him. He has cost his team maybe getting through to the semi-finals," said former Major League Soccer striker Bradley Wright-Phillips on ITV.

Jobi McAnuff, a former Jamaica international, added: "Breel Embolo let himself down, he let his team-mates down.

"Everything looks worse in slow motion and he ends up getting the yellow card for simulation. Maybe he felt the contact was going to come sooner and it didn't.

"It was simulation but you can't help but feel sorry for him."

Argentina eventually ran out 3-1 winners against the 10 men in extra time and will face England in the semi-finals in a match that will be shown live on the BBC.

"This team has so much passion. Despite the fact we were one man down, we gave it all. I'm extremely proud of everyone," said Yakin.

'Cheats never prosper' - Embolo sent off after second yellow for diving

Fifa has introduced a number of rule changes for the tournament, with Pierluigi Collina, the head of referees, requesting one specifically for mistaken identity.

The rule states that if a player is booked or sent off but the foul was actually committed by the opposition team the decision can be changed.

If Paredes had not been booked for the challenge, the mistaken identity ruling would not have come into play and Embolo would have stayed on.

The first use of the law was seen earlier in the tournament when USA defender Tim Ream conceded a free-kick and was shown a yellow card for what was initially deemed a foul on Miguel Almiron.

After the free-kick was taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the screen by the VAR and overturned his decision - something officials have not previously been allowed to do.

After rescinding Ream's caution, Makkelie instead booked former Newcastle United forward Almiron for simulation.

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