IFAB: VAR process of Embolo's red card wrong

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has stepped in to rectify a highly contentious decision made during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ruling that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was wrongly sent off in the quarterfinals against Argentina. The IFAB, which is responsible for governing the Laws of the Game, has clarified its guidance to referees, confirming that Embolo's red card should not have been issued.

According to reports, Embolo was given his marching orders in the 90th minute of the match after he was adjudged to have committed a foul on Argentina's Cristian Romero. However, the IFAB's subsequent review of the incident has led to a re-evaluation of the decision, with the governing body concluding that the Switzerland forward should not have been sent off. The clarification is expected to have significant implications for the application of VAR in high-pressure situations, highlighting the need for referees to exercise caution when making decisions that can have a major impact on the outcome of a match.

The IFAB's intervention is a major development in the ongoing debate surrounding the use of VAR in football, with many critics arguing that the technology is often being used to justify decisions that are open to interpretation. The governing body's clarification on Embolo's red card is a significant step towards addressing these concerns, and it is likely to have far-reaching implications for the way that referees and VAR officials approach contentious decisions in the future.

The IFAB's clarification on Embolo's red card is also set to have a major impact on the Switzerland national team, who were ultimately eliminated from the World Cup as a result of the decision. The team's coach, Murat Yakın, was left frustrated by the decision at the time, and it is likely that the IFAB's clarification will provide a sense of vindication for the players and coaching staff.