UEFA has reminded its video assistant referees that possible simulation should not be treated as mistaken identity when reviewing incidents, following changes introduced to football’s VAR protocol this summer.

The updated rules allow VAR officials to intervene when a referee has wrongly identified the player responsible for an offence and change a yellow or red card decision. The rule was used twice during the 2026 World Cup, including a review that removed a yellow card from United States defender Tim Ream and instead awarded it to Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron for simulation.

The rule also brought u strong discussions during Switzerland’s quarter-final clash with Argentina when Breel Embolo was sent off after VAR determined he initiated contact during a challenge involving Leandro Paredes. Embolo, who was already on a yellow card, received a second booking and was dismissed, with Argentina eventually winning 3-1 after extra time.