UEFA Decides Against Full Adoption of VAR Changes from FIFA World Cup
UEFA has announced it will not fully implement one of the most talked-about VAR changes introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as reported by talkSPORT.
During the World Cup, updated laws approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) allowed VAR to become more involved in incidents involving simulation. This change meant VAR could intervene if a referee had mistakenly booked or sent off the wrong player, addressing cases of mistaken identity related to diving.
The new protocol received praise from supporters during several high-profile matches, as many believed it could help curb simulation in football. However, it became the focal point of one of the biggest controversies at the World Cup during Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
In that match, Swiss forward Breel Embolo was initially involved in an incident that led to a yellow card for Argentina’s Leandro Paredes due to a supposed reckless challenge. After a review, VAR determined that Embolo had actually instigated the contact, resulting in his second yellow card and subsequent sending-off. Argentina then capitalized on the numerical advantage, winning 3-1 after extra time.
A similar incident occurred during the United States’ match against Paraguay, where USA captain Tim Ream received a yellow card for a challenge on Miguel Almiron. VAR later determined that Almiron had simulated the foul, resulting in Ream’s card being rescinded and Almiron being cautioned instead.
Despite the positive feedback from fans, UEFA has instructed its VAR officials to utilize the new law only in clear cases of mistaken identity. The governing body believes these scenarios involve factual errors that can be rectified without expanding VAR’s usage.
Officials will still have the authority to intervene when an incorrect second yellow card has been issued, allowing for appropriate penalties against players found to have dived. UEFA has also confirmed that it will maintain its current procedures for reviewing incorrect corner-kick decisions, focusing solely on who last touched the ball, instead of examining potential offsides in the buildup.