New FIFA World Cup rule used in controversial circumstances during Argentina vs Switzerland
A new FIFA World Cup rule was used for the first time during Argentina vs Switzerland that resulted in the latter having a man sent off.
Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for a dive following a challenge from Leandro Paredes.
The referee had initially given Paredes a yellow card before a VAR review reversed the decision and awarded a second yellow to the Switzerland forward, all because of a new rule.
What is the new rule that saw Breel Embolo sent off?
Embolo was given his marching orders due to a new rule implemented by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) surrounding mistaken identity.
The IFAB state that referees can review and overturn a yellow or red card issued to the wrong player, even after play has restarted.
Tim Ream was the first player to benefit from this after he was booked for allegedly fouling Miguel Almiron before the VAR reviewed the footage and decided to show a yellow card to Almiron for simulation.
Following the decision in Kansas City, Embolo was left distraught and in tears.
However, despite protesting the decision, replays appeared to show that the right call was made.
New rules at the 2026 World Cup
There are other new rules that have come into effect at the tournament this summer.
Perhaps the most notable of them is the punishment for a player covering their mouth with their hands.
Anyone found guilty of that is shown a straight red card. Referees also have the power to review a red card handed out as a second yellow that may be deemed incorrect.
