Switzerland Slams VAR After Breel Embolo's Red Card Against Argentina

The Swiss coaching staff and players launched a fierce attack on officiating and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions after striker Breel Embolo was sent off during the World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Argentina, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Argentine team after extra time.

The controversial moment occurred in the 72nd minute when Portuguese referee João Pinheiro initially issued a yellow card to Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo. However, the VAR called the referee to review the incident for "misidentification," revealing that Embolo had begun to fall before the contact occurred. Consequently, Paredes' yellow card was rescinded, and Embolo received a yellow card for simulation. Since the Swiss forward had already been cautioned in the first half, he received a second yellow and was sent off, leaving his team to play with ten men for 67 minutes.

Swiss coach Murat Yakin commented after the match: "What happened is completely incomprehensible. I know they will defend the referee, but this rule ruined the game today." He added, "There was no reason to give Paredes a yellow card at all. I don’t understand the decision; it was a normal and harmless incident." He emphasized that the red card was crucial in changing the course of the match, stating: "It was a decisive decision for the outcome of the entire game."

Midfielder Remo Freuler expressed his anger, saying: "It’s a disaster. I don’t understand what the referee is doing here, and I don’t understand why he was called to review such an incident when similar challenges in the first half went unpunished." He added, "I don’t understand how VAR can change an entire match because of such a situation. Let the referee manage the game himself."

After the decision was announced over the stadium's loudspeakers, Swiss players protested vehemently against the referee, while Embolo broke down in tears, and his teammates had to escort him off the field. Regarding his psychological state, Yakin said: "You can imagine his condition; he is devastated. He couldn’t help the team, and that hurts us and him as well. It was a refereeing mistake."