Switzerland have strongly criticised the match officials after their elimination from the World Cup, arguing that a contentious VAR decision “destroyed” their quarter-final encounter with Argentina. The European team were left stunned when Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation following a bizarre ‘mistaken identity’ review that has become a major talking point around the world.

Yakin blasts ‘incomprehensible’ decision

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin did not conceal his frustration after his team’s heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Argentina. The Swiss were holding their own and growing in belief before a VAR intervention led to Embolo’s dismissal, forcing them to play with 10 men for over an hour against the reigning world champions.

Speaking after the match, a visibly disappointed Yakin said: “It’s completely not understandable. I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed the game today.” The coach further explained how the decision altered the course of the contest, adding: “It was decisive for the entire outcome of the match. This is a rule that, in my opinion, has nothing to do with football. The fact that they brought in such a rule is unnecessary. It’s extremely painful.”

Referee called a ‘disaster’ by Swiss players

The controversy erupted when Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo. However, video assistant referee Guillermo Pacheco Larios advised an on-field review for ‘mistaken identity’. Following the review, the referee ruled that Embolo had simulated contact. The yellow card for Paredes was withdrawn and shown to Embolo instead, which, being his second caution, resulted in a red card for the Rennes striker.

Midfielder Remo Freuler was equally outspoken about the officiating at the Kansas City Stadium. He said: “It’s just a disaster. I don’t know what the referee is doing here. I don’t understand why they call him for a situation like this because there were many fouls like this in the first half. Maybe those should have been yellow cards too. I don’t understand how VAR can change a game with this situation. Just let the referee do his job, you know?”

Embolo ‘heartbroken’ after emotional send-off

Embolo was seen in tears as he walked off the pitch. The forward had been a constant threat for Switzerland but became the victim of a strict implementation of IFAB’s new rule update for the 2026 edition. The Swiss bench reacted furiously when the call was made, and Embolo had to be escorted to the dressing room by teammates.

Yakin later described the emotional state of his striker, saying: “You can imagine how he’s feeling. He is shattered. He couldn’t help the team today. It hurts us and it hurts him. It was a referee mistake. There was absolutely no reason to give that yellow card. I don’t understand it; it was a harmless situation.”

The IFAB rule change clarified

Traditionally, the term ‘mistaken identity’ referred to occasions when a referee cautioned the wrong player for a foul. However, IFAB broadened the definition before this World Cup, allowing VAR to intervene when a player is booked but the actual offence was committed by the opponent, such as in simulation cases. This was the second instance of the rule being applied during the tournament, following an earlier group-stage incident involving USMNT defender Tim Ream and Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron.

Although FIFA maintains that the technology is being applied correctly, the Swiss camp remains unconvinced. The numerical disadvantage eventually proved costly in extra time as Argentina sealed their semi-final spot with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. For Switzerland, however, the feeling of injustice continues to overshadow their campaign in North America.

“This is a rule that, in my opinion, has nothing to do with football,” Yakin reiterated. “The fact that they introduced such a rule is just unnecessary. It is extremely hurtful.”