World Cup VAR Blunder: Booking Almirón for Simulation Sparks Debate
A VAR review in the USA vs Paraguay match shocked fans when referee Danny Makkelie had USA captain Tim Ream’s yellow card scrapped and instead booked Miguel Almirón for diving. Replays showed no contact, but VAR’s intervention raised questions over the new "mistaken identity" rule. Under current regulations, VAR may correct a card given to the wrong player for the same offence. Here, the decision went further by switching from a foul to simulation, stretching the rule beyond its intended scope. Critics point out that play had already restarted with a Paraguay free-kick before the review, which contravenes VAR protocol. With FIFA’s refereeing head having used a handball example to explain the rule, many now want urgent clarification on whether VAR can legitimately punish diving. Meanwhile, other new tournament measures — like mandatory three-minute hydration breaks and a five-second countdown on throw-ins — are also causing confusion among players, coaches and fans. FIFA is expected to issue guidance soon on these rule changes and their application as everyone adapts to the World Cup’s latest innovations.
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