Switzerland coach Murat Yakin criticised VAR after Breel Embolo’s controversial red card in the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, calling the decision unacceptable.
Breel Embolo (1st L) of Switzerland talks with referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua via IANS)
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin launched a scathing attack on the VAR intervention that led to Breel Embolo’s sending off, insisting the controversial decision turned the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Argentina’s favour and brought his side’s historic campaign to a painful end.
Switzerland had fought back from an early deficit through Dan Ndoye’s equaliser and appeared to be gaining control before the match swung dramatically in the 72nd minute.
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Initially, the referee booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo. However, after being called to the pitchside monitor, the decision was overturned. Paredes’ yellow card was rescinded, while Embolo was instead booked for simulation. Having already been cautioned earlier in the match, the striker was shown a red card and left the field in tears.
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Yakin questioned both the decision and the VAR protocol that allowed the incident to be reviewed.
“There was no reason for that booking. It was an innocent situation. There was nothing malicious about it,” Yakin said.
“That decision was simply unbelievable. There was clear contact, and I don’t understand how the referee and the VAR came to that conclusion. We were punished because of a mistake.”
The Swiss coach felt the dismissal robbed his team of the momentum they had built after recovering from Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener.
“We came back from a goal down against the world champions and had the momentum. We were controlling the match,” he said.
“Football wasn’t the winner today. We were punished by a mistake. It was the decisive moment that determined the outcome of the match. I have to congratulate Argentina, but that decision changed everything.”
Despite playing with 10 men, Switzerland held firm until the closing stages of extra time before Julian Alvarez curled home a spectacular long-range effort in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez then added a third to seal Argentina’s 3-1 victory and set up a semi-final meeting with England.
Yakin reserved special praise for his players, calling them the “real heroes” after their spirited display.
“I don’t blame Embolo at all. He had been fouled several times and gave everything for the team. He’s devastated because he feels he couldn’t help us anymore, but it was a refereeing mistake,” Yakin said.
Midfielder Remo Freuler also questioned the decision and urged FIFA to explain the application of the law.
“I’m very proud of the team. We gave everything out there,” Freuler said.
“I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA has to explain it to us.”
Although Switzerland’s bid for a first World Cup semi-final since 1954 fell short, Yakin said his side could still leave the tournament with pride after one of the country’s finest World Cup campaigns.
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