- ‘Diving Cannot Be Reviewed Under Mistaken Identity’ – UEFA Clarifies VAR Rule
- UEFA rejects use of mistaken identity rule to punish simulation.
- Directive follows controversy over VAR decisions during 2026 FIFA World Cup.
UEFA has instructed its Video Assistant Referees (VAR) not to use the new mistaken identity law to punish simulation, distancing itself from an interpretation that generated controversy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The directive was issued to match officials ahead of the opening qualifying rounds of this season’s European competitions following concerns over how the revised VAR protocol was applied during the World Cup.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) introduced the rule change earlier this year, allowing VAR to intervene when a referee incorrectly identifies the player responsible for an offence, including changing the recipient of a yellow or red card.
The revised law was applied twice during the FIFA World Cup.
In one incident, United States defender Tim Ream was initially shown a yellow card before a VAR review determined that Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron had simulated the incident. As a result, Ream’s caution was rescinded.
The interpretation of the rule attracted greater scrutiny during Switzerland’s quarter final defeat to Argentina.
Swiss striker Breel Embolo, who had already been booked, received a second yellow card and was sent off after a VAR review concluded that he had initiated the contact that resulted in Argentina’s Leandro Paredes being cautioned.
Switzerland had just equalised to make the score 1-1 before eventually losing 3-1 after extra time.
UEFA has now clarified that it does not consider simulation to fall under the mistaken identity provision.
According to the European football governing body, mistaken identity is regarded as a factual decision that does not require an on field review. However, changing a foul into a simulation involves subjective judgment, meaning the referee must review the incident on the pitchside monitor before making a final decision.
For that reason, UEFA has instructed its VAR officials not to treat simulation cases as mistaken identity incidents under the revised law.
UEFA’s head referees from its 54 member associations are scheduled to meet next week to discuss the implementation of VAR, with the application of the mistaken identity rule expected to be one of the key topics on the agenda.
Domestic leagues across Europe are also expected to adopt UEFA’s interpretation of the law ahead of the new football season.
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