New rules abound - why VAR diving decision was wrong despite feeling right

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: New rules abound - why VAR diving decision was wrong despite feeling rightImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron (centre) was stunned by Danny Makkelie's decision to book him for diving during the 4-1 defeat by the United StatesBySimon Stone Chief football news reporterPublished2 hours agoFour games, three opening ceremonies, victories for two of the host nations and an eye-catching performance in an entertaining draw for the third. Setting aside issues around ticket prices and blocked entry for match officials and players, the World Cup itself has got off to a decent start. Now it really starts hotting up.

Eleven successive days with four matches, then three with six. While getting our heads around the many kick-off times, football fans are grappling with rule changes that are, in some instances, leaving players, coaches, supporters and TV viewers a little bit confused. Here we break down some of those changes.

The Details

VAR, timewasting and subs - World Cup law changes explained Published3 days agoRight outcome, wrong decision? Figure caption, VAR intervenes on mistaken identityWhen Dutch referee Danny Makkelie stopped the game between the United States and Paraguay in the early stages of the second half after Antonee Robinson headed the ball out of the home penalty area, it was not initially clear why. It turned out he was being sent to the pitchside monitor by Spanish video assistant referee (VAR) Carlos del Cerro Grande to review his decision to give USA skipper Tim Ream a yellow card for fouling Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron.

Almiron had not been touched, so Makkelie reversed the caution and gave it to the former Newcastle player instead. It seemed as though the tweaked 'mistaken identity' rule was being used and was welcomed by many watching. "Good spot and the right decision I may add.

That's the main thing," said commentator Danny Murphy. "Any adaptation of the rules that means diving gets punished is good. "Except it might not have been the right decision.

What Experts Say

Mistaken identity can only be used for a specific incident, when the referee "has clearly penalised the wrong player", according to the wording of the International Football Association Board (Ifab). "The offence itself cannot be reviewed. " Mistaken identity does not appear to cover an opposing player incorrectly being booked when someone has dived.

Well-placed sources have told Sport Makkelie's decision was wrong, even if it felt right. World governing body Fifa is yet to clarify the situation. Former England defender Phil Jagielka is all for diving being punished.

"I'm a defender, so I don't mind," he told Sport. "Stuff like this, it's got to help. Tim Ream gets booked - he could end up getting sent off, and he's physically not touched someone.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.