UEFA has directed its Video Assistant Referees (VAR) not to apply the newly introduced mistaken identity rule to incidents involving simulation, distancing itself from an interpretation that generated controversy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The guidance was issued to match officials ahead of the opening qualifying rounds of this season’s European competitions following concerns over how the updated VAR protocol was implemented at the World Cup.
Earlier this summer, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) amended the Laws of the Game to allow VAR to intervene when a referee mistakenly identifies the player responsible for an offence, including correcting yellow and red card decisions.
The revised law was invoked twice during the World Cup. In one instance, United States defender Tim Ream was initially cautioned before VAR determined that Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron had simulated the incident, leading to the yellow card being withdrawn.
The rule came under greater scrutiny during Switzerland’s quarter-final clash with Argentina. Swiss forward Breel Embolo, who had already been booked, received a second yellow card and was sent off after VAR concluded that he had initiated the contact which resulted in Argentina’s Leandro Paredes being cautioned. Switzerland had equalised to make it 1-1 before eventually losing 3-1 after extra time.
UEFA has now clarified that mistaken identity is considered a factual error that can be corrected without an on-field review. However, determining whether an incident involves simulation is viewed as a subjective judgement that requires the referee to review the footage at the pitchside monitor.
As a result, the European football governing body does not classify simulation as a mistaken identity offence under the updated VAR laws.
UEFA’s chief referees from its 54 member associations are scheduled to meet next week to discuss VAR-related matters, with the application of the mistaken identity rule expected to be a major topic. Domestic leagues across Europe are also expected to adopt UEFA’s interpretation of the regulation.