UEFA Confirms No VAR for Diving in Future Matches

UEFA has announced that it will not utilize Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to address diving incidents, according to official statements. This decision comes in light of discussions at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) regarding potential tweaks to VAR protocols, which are set to take effect in the summer.

The decision was influenced by a controversial incident during the World Cup qualifiers, where Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was involved in a diving controversy against Switzerland's Leandro Paredes. In the 72nd minute of the quarter-final match against Argentina, Paredes was booked for a reckless challenge after VAR reviewed the play, despite the initial contact with Breel Embolo, who had already received a caution.

Following the VAR review, Paredes was given a second yellow card and subsequently dismissed just five minutes before Switzerland equalized the match at 1-1, which Argentina eventually won 3-1 in extra time.