Embolo First to Be Sent Off Under New FIFA Mistaken Identity Law at World Cup

Switzerland’s Breel Embolo has made unwanted history at the World Cup, becoming the first player to be sent off under a new FIFA law aimed at rectifying mistaken identity by referees. The incident occurred during Switzerland’s quarter-final match against Argentina, which the South American side eventually won 3-1 in extra time.

The red card was issued in the 72nd minute after Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation. However, the caution was initially intended for Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, who appeared to have committed a clumsy challenge. The intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) prompted the referee, Joao Pinheiro, to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Por que importa

Upon review, the official determined that Embolo had dived, leading to the booking and subsequent dismissal. The Switzerland forward was visibly distressed, leaving the pitch in tears shortly after his team had equalized against the reigning world champions.

Pundits were divided on the situation, with some expressing sympathy for Embolo’s predicament and others emphasizing the consequences of his actions. Former MLS striker Bradley Wright-Phillips commented on ITV, “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.” Former Jamaica international Jobi McAnuff added, “Breel Embolo let himself down, he let his team-mates down.” He suggested that while Embolo might have anticipated contact, the lack of it led to the simulation call.

Contexto

The new rule, requested by Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA referees, allows officials to change decisions regarding bookings or sendings-off if it is determined the foul was committed by an opponent. This means that if Paredes had not been initially booked for the challenge, the mistaken identity ruling would not have been applicable, and Embolo would likely have remained on the field.

This was not the first instance of the law being used in the tournament. Earlier, USA defender Tim Ream was initially shown a yellow card for a foul on Miguel Almiron. However, VAR prompted a review, and the referee overturned the decision, booking Almiron instead for simulation.

Key facts

The application of this rule highlights FIFA’s efforts to enhance the accuracy of on-field decisions and ensure that fouls are correctly attributed. For players and teams, it underscores the increased scrutiny under which every on-field action falls, particularly with the widespread use of VAR. The incident serves as a stark reminder for players to avoid any form of simulation, as the consequences, especially under these new regulations, can be severe.

The match itself saw Argentina advance to the semi-finals, where they are set to face England. Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed pride in his team’s performance despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the game.

Source: BBC Sport Football – Embolo sent off as result of mistaken identity rule (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckg0k5gdr79o)