Was "Favoring Messi" Real? Re-evaluation Results of "Switzerland Red Card"

An interpretation has emerged that there was a misjudgment during the quarterfinals between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

Reuters reported on the 28th, local time, that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) stated in a circular sent to the refereeing team that the second yellow card given to Swiss forward Embolo was incorrect.

In the 27th minute of the second half, with the score tied 1-1, Embolo went down during a challenge with Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes.

Referee Joao Pinheiro initially called a foul on Paredes and pulled out a yellow card.

However, as the VAR room intervened, Paredes' foul and booking were cancelled, and instead, Embolo received a simulation yellow card based on the judgment that he had exaggerated the contact.

Embolo, who already had one yellow card, was sent off with his second booking.

The IFAB took issue with the abuse of authority by the VAR room in this process.

The IFAB explained that VAR can be used to correct the sanction target when a card is given to the wrong player instead of the actual offender, but it cannot review the actions of that sanction target to issue a new penalty.

In other words, while the card given to Paredes could be cancelled, it meant that the card could not be transferred to Embolo.

Switzerland, which had been playing an even match against the defending champions, was placed at a numerical disadvantage due to this ruling and conceded two goals in extra time to lose 1-3.

Immediately after the match, Swiss coach Murat Yakin protested, stating that he could not accept the application of the rule, and adding, "That decision ruined our game. It is painful to be eliminated in that manner."

Football fans also pointed out immediately after the ruling that FIFA made a forced decision to help Messi advance to the finals.

The IFAB is currently conducting a detailed review of the VAR protocol.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Lee Dain | Graphics by Lee Jeongju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.