Football's global governing body, FIFA, is reportedly spearheading a significant potential change to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocols, with the aim of implementing it ahead of next summer's World Cup tournament. The proposed adjustment would empower VAR officials to intervene on factual decisions, specifically the awarding of corner kicks, which are currently outside their remit.
The Push for VAR Intervention on Corner Kicks
FIFA has been actively lobbying lawmakers at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to grant VAR the authority to step in when a corner flag decision is believed to be incorrect. According to reports, FIFA could receive special permission to extend these powers on a trial basis without formally amending the game's laws.
The core argument for the change hinges on the nature of the decision. Unlike subjective judgements on fouls or handballs, determining whether the ball crossed the line for a corner or a goal kick is a factual matter. This makes it, in FIFA's view, an ideal candidate for video review.
However, such a move would directly contravene the existing Law Five of the game. This law states that once play has restarted, a referee cannot change a restart decision, even if advised it was incorrect by another official.
Dyche's Frustration and the Premier League Context
The potential rule change has found a vocal supporter in Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche. His team suffered in consecutive weeks from goals stemming from incorrectly awarded corners.
First, Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier scored directly from a corner that should have been a Forest goal kick. The following week, Manchester United's Casemiro scored from a set-piece after the officials ruled the ball had gone out, despite Forest's Nicolo Zaniolo insisting he kept it in play.
"It's got to change," Dyche insisted post-match. "You don't need three minutes to look at that, it's a very simple moment... Last week was an incredibly simple moment, a factually wrong decision. That must take five seconds, end of. Surely?"
Dyche, a self-professed fan of VAR, argued that such reviews would be swift and eliminate clear errors. "There is a lot at stake in these games. So just get it right, we all want it right, every fan wants it right," he added.
Wider Implications and Second Yellow Card Reviews
The proposal is not without its critics. An IFAB advisory panel featuring ex-players, coaches, and referees has reportedly expressed concerns. A primary worry is that matches could be slowed down, given Premier League games average around ten corners each.
Simultaneously, IFAB is also considering another major VAR expansion: the review of second yellow card incidents. A proposal set to be heard next month could allow officials to intervene when an incorrect second yellow card—and consequent red card—has been issued.
Any formal law change requires six out of eight possible votes from the IFAB board. FIFA holds four votes, while the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) each hold one.
If approved, these changes would mark one of the most substantial expansions of VAR's influence since its introduction, fundamentally altering how factual restart decisions and disciplinary actions are managed at the highest level of the sport.
