Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has changed his stance on refereeing after launching a strong criticism of the officials following his side's 3-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals, just days after dismissing Egypt's complaints about officiating.

Before facing Argentina, Yakin was asked about the controversy surrounding Egypt's Round of 16 defeat and the criticism aimed at the refereeing. The Swiss coach insisted that football had become fairer thanks to VAR and argued that matches should be decided on the pitch rather than through post-match complaints.

"I think matches are generally fair. VAR can control everything," Yakin said before the game.

He also added: "You shouldn't solve things with statements after the match when you had chances to win."

However, Yakin's position changed dramatically after Switzerland's elimination.

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The Swiss coach reacted angrily after Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card in the 72nd minute following a VAR review, forcing Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

"We were punished because of a mistake. That card had absolutely no basis. I simply cannot understand that decision," Yakin said after the match.

He described the dismissal as "unbelievable" and insisted it completely changed the course of the game.

Although Yakin congratulated Argentina on reaching the semi-finals, he maintained that Switzerland had been the better side for long periods before the controversial sending-off.

His post-match comments attracted attention because they contrasted sharply with the position he took before facing Argentina, when he dismissed criticism of the refereeing following Egypt's controversial World Cup exit.