c/worldcup · by CombatWombat@feddit.online · 69d

World Cup sees ‘mistaken identity’ law used for first time: ‘It sets precedent for even more VAR’

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7356267/2026/06/12/tim-ream-yellow-card-mistaken-identity/

The USMNT captain was initially booked by referee Danny Makkelie for what was perceived as a trip on Paraguay attacker Miguel Almiron.

5 points · 2 comments · view on lemmy.world

2 Comments

CombatWombat@feddit.online · 1 pts · 69d (1 reply)

I've of two minds on this one, because simulation is a serious problem in men's soccer, and this really could help cut down on it, but it also allows VAR to affect the game flow much more:

Previously, IFAB’s laws stated that cases of mistaken identity were only reviewable by match officials “when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team).” Ahead of the World Cup, this was altered to “when the referee shows a yellow or red card but has clearly penalised the wrong player of either team for the offence in question; the offence itself cannot be reviewed except in the context of mistaken identity.”

johan@feddit.nl · 2 pts · 69d

Yeah I think in theory I support this. I wasn't aware of the rule change though and I'm curious if the players and coaches were.

Also, this part of the wording:

has clearly penalised the wrong player of either team

The word "clearly" creates a grey area that I don't love. In this case it was indeed clear, but this does leave room for interpretation. Penalties are often given after minimal contact and an attacker falling to the ground. Most of the time they'll probably say it's not "clearly" the wrong player since there was some contact. But this power can definitely be abused by the VAR.

Also, you're gonna create situations where the VAR can see clear simulation, but the referee didn't give a yellow to the perceived offense. In that case, the clear simulation will go unpunished.

Still, I suppose that this is an improvement?