Uefa has told its video assistant referees (VARs) they must not consider potential simulation as mistaken identity, as seen at the 2026 World Cup.

Switzerland were left with 10 men against Argentina after Breel Embolo, left, received a second yellow card for simulation Uefa has told its video assistant referees (VARs) they must not consider potential simulation as mistaken identity, as it was used at the 2026 World Cup. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) tweaked the VAR protocol effective from this summer. A VAR could now intervene to change a yellow or red card if a referee had incorrectly identified which team's player committed the offence. This was activated twice at the World Cup, firstly to overturn a yellow card given to United States defender Tim Ream for a foul and switch it to Paraguay's Miguel Almiron for a dive. More controversially, Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute of the quarter-final against Argentina. Leandro Paredes was booked for a reckless challenge, but the Swiss striker was shown to have initiated the contact. As Embolo was already on a caution, the 29-year-old was given a second yellow card following the VAR review and subsequently dismissed.