According to well-placed sources cited by the BBC, referee Danny Makkelie committed a major technical error when applying the updated “Mistaken Identity” VAR protocol during the 2026 World Cup match between the United States and Paraguay.
The Dutch referee halted play right after a free-kick was cleared, leaving everyone in the stadium shocked and confused as they tried to figure out what was wrong. Makkelie then headed directly to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.
It was later revealed that Spanish Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Carlos del Cerro Grande had recommended the review. Makkelie was urged to reconsider his decision to give USA captain Tim Ream a yellow card for a foul on Paraguay forward Miguel Almirón. Replays clearly showed that the former Newcastle player had simulated the contact and was not touched at all. As a result, Makkelie rescinded Ream’s booking and showed the yellow card to Almirón instead.
The Legal Loophole: Why the Referees Got It Wrong
Initially, the decision was welcomed by fans both in the stadium and on television, as it rightly punished simulation. However, according to the BBC, Makkelie’s decision was textbook incorrect, even if it felt fair and just to everyone watching.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rulebook, the “Mistaken Identity” clause can only be invoked under very specific circumstances:
“Mistaken identity occurs when the referee penalizes the wrong player from the same team. The offence itself cannot be reviewed.”
Consequently, this protocol does not cover rescinding a yellow card from a defender to penalize an opposing attacker for diving.
FIFA has yet to issue an official statement regarding this controversial incident. However, it seems certain that Makkelie was misled by the Spanish VAR, Carlos del Cerro Grande, and both officials could potentially face severe sporting sanctions as is customary in tournaments of this magnitude.
