Switzerland Receives Unusual Red Card Following New FIFA World Cup Rule

Pulse Sports Team 03:48 - 12 July 2026

Switzerland became a painful victim of a new rule during this World Cup match against Argentina. After an incorrectly issued yellow card, it was Switzerland, not Argentina, who received a booking. The player in question already had a yellow, leading to his dismissal after a dive. It caused a stir, but the referee was firm in his decision.

Switzerland was still celebrating their equalizer against Argentina when disaster struck. Right-winger Breel Embolo committed an incredibly foolish error. In a challenge with Paredes, he executed a blatant dive.

New Rule in Play

Initially, the referee sided with the Swiss player, issuing a yellow card to Paredes. However, as play was about to resume, the referee was halted. The VAR intervened for a 'Mistaken Identity' – a new rule introduced this season. The VAR is now permitted to intervene if it identifies that a card has been issued to the wrong player.

This meant the referee had to consult the pitchside monitor to re-evaluate the situation. On review, he saw Embolo going to ground before any contact was made with Paredes. Consequently, Paredes' yellow card was rescinded and instead shown to Embolo. This had significant repercussions.

Embolo's Costly Action

Embolo had already received a yellow card for an earlier offense, meaning the second yellow resulted in a red card and an early exit from the pitch. He was visibly distraught upon receiving the red, but the referee remained unyielding. This sparked considerable commotion on the Swiss bench. It took some time for tempers to cool before the game could resume.

Embolo severely disadvantaged his team, leaving the ten Swiss players to face eleven Argentinians for over twenty minutes.