The International Football Association Board has clarified VAR rules following contentious decisions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to French publication L'Équipe, which cited an IFAB circular, the body stated that "a yellow card, which is not a second yellow card, can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the foul; the foul itself cannot be reviewed or changed."
IFAB indicated the clarification could shape future protocols and World Cup regulations, pending formal approval. The law-making body has faced mounting pressure over VAR's expanded role in the tournament, particularly its involvement in cases of mistaken identity involving cautions and dismissals.
The board stressed an important distinction: VAR can confirm which player received a booking, but it cannot overturn or alter the original offence. This includes incidents where simulation or diving is alleged.
The guidance has renewed focus on Breel Embolo's red card in Switzerland's quarter-final loss to Argentina. Leandro Paredes initially received a yellow for fouling Embolo, but VAR intervened claiming mistaken identity.
The referee then rescinded Paredes' booking and cautioned Embolo instead for simulation. Embolo picked up a second yellow and was sent off.
According to L'Équipe's report, the referee should have simply modified the reason for the VAR review rather than reverse the original discipline. The intervention represented a misapplication of VAR protocol, the publication noted.
