FIFA defended its VAR decisions in the Switzerland vs. Argentina World Cup match in a statement. In that game, Embolo was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for allegedly diving. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the rules of football, had previously admitted that the decision was incorrect.
On Tuesday local time, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which governs the rules of football, admitted that Embolo should not have been sent off.
IFAB explained: "For warnings other than a second yellow card (note: Paredes' regular yellow card), VAR can only be used to confirm the identity of the offending player. The foul itself cannot be reviewed or modified by VAR."
FIFA: The decision restored fairness
In response, FIFA defended its ruling standards, arguing that it was not an "error by the referee or VAR."
A FIFA spokesperson stated: "FIFA's interpretation regarding player identification errors was consistently applied during the World Cup. In two matches, players were incorrectly identified as fouls due to opponents diving and were subsequently shown yellow cards. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised the referee to correct this factual error."
"Diving itself is indisputable. Diving should not lead to disciplinary action against the opponent, otherwise it may have subsequent consequences, such as being sent off for a second yellow card, or being suspended for accumulating yellow cards."
A FIFA spokesperson further added: "We do not believe this was a mistake by the referee or VAR. This decision restores fairness. We have noted the comments made by IFAB in its relevant announcement. We have been in communication with IFAB, and they have confirmed that this interpretation is valid and accepted, and will be taken into consideration in future discussions on VAR rule adjustments, as mentioned at the most recent annual meeting."
