The IFAB has recognized a grave error in favor of Argentina at the World Cup 2026, confirming that the expulsion of Swiss forward Breel Embolo was due to an incorrect application of the VAR protocol. The incident occurred in the match between Argentina and Switzerland, which ended 1-1 after regular time. With one less player, Switzerland was unable to overcome Argentina and the Albiceleste secured their spot in the semifinals. The rule that was not respected The IFAB has clarified in an official statement what was the problem. The rule states that a yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who was sanctioned, but not to modify the decision on the infraction itself. According to the institution, 'a yellow card that is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the infraction; the infraction itself cannot be reviewed or modified'. In the case of the match against Switzerland, the VAR interpreted the protocol incorrectly, allowing the action to be reviewed and modified beyond what was permitted. The decision to yellow-card Embolo instead of Paredes contradicted the established rule.