
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified the scope of VAR’s intervention, stating that VAR will no longer be able to intervene regarding the nature of the offense in the event of a mistaken yellow card. This decision follows the controversial sending-off of Swiss striker Breel Embolo against Argentina in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
In the match, Argentine player Leandro Paredes was initially booked for a foul on Embolo. However, VAR intervened on the basis of the “mistaken identity” clause, resulting in Paredes’s yellow card being reissued to Embolo, who had already been booked. Switzerland held out until extra time but lost 3–1. The IFAB statement confirmed that the rule on “mistaken identity” may only be used to identify the player who committed the offense, and not to correct the offense itself.
Meanwhile, the Bundesliga has announced the adoption of several new rules from the World Cup, with some modifications. For instance, holding a hand in front of the mouth during a confrontation will result in a yellow card, unlike the red card given in the World Cup. Other rules include time limits on goal-kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, and new regulations around on-field injuries.
European football’s governing body UEFA and the Swiss Football League (SFL) have announced that they will apply the rule in line with IFAB guidelines. The clarification from IFAB confirms this interpretation.
In other news, a petition demanding Argentina be barred from future FIFA World Cups has gathered over 23.3 million signatures. The petition, titled "Kick Argentina Out," alleges that FIFA and referees were biased towards Lionel Messi and Argentina, particularly following their defeat to Spain in the final.
European refereeing officials have emphasized that VAR should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents. They want to return to the original aims of VAR, which is "minimum interference - maximum benefit."
The Bundesliga's new rules also include a countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks, where the referee can count down five seconds. If the play is not restarted within that time, the ball possession goes to the opposing team. Additionally, players who are treated on the field must leave the pitch and can only return after one minute, aiming to prevent time-wasting through simulated injuries.
The IFAB's decision comes after a controversial incident in the World Cup quarterfinals, where Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off against Argentina. The clarification states that VAR can only be used to identify the player who committed the offense, not to correct the offense itself.
The Bundesliga's new rules also include a mandatory review of the second yellow card leading to a red card, which was also implemented in the World Cup.
The petition against Argentina has gained significant traction, with over 23.3 million signatures from across 170 countries. The petitioners claim that Argentina benefited from favorable refereeing decisions throughout the tournament.
European refereeing officials have reaffirmed that VAR should only intervene in cases of "clear and obvious" errors or missed incidents. They have also expressed support for new rules aimed at reducing unnecessary delays in the game.
The Bundesliga's new rules will also include a time limit for substitutions, where teams must complete substitutions within one minute or play with one fewer player.
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