The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has announced a two-year review of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, alongside a series of rule changes ahead of the World Cup. The review will assess whether the technology is being used to its best, according to Ifab's technical director, David Elleray.
As part of immediate enhancements, VAR's powers will be extended into three new areas. Officials will be able to check red cards resulting from a "clearly incorrect second yellow card", intervene when the referee punishes the wrong team, and review a "clearly incorrectly awarded corner kick" – but only if the review can be completed without delaying the restart.
Ifab also plans to fast-track disciplinary measures for players who cover their mouths when confronting opponents, following the alleged racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Incidents where players unilaterally leave the pitch in protest, as Senegal did during the Africa Cup of Nations final, are also likely to be punished with a yellow card.
The announcement came on the 10th anniversary of the decision to first trial video technology. Elleray noted contrasting philosophies within football: some want perfect decision-making, while others accept refereeing errors as part of the game. The English FA's chief executive, Mark Bullingham, praised innovations like semi-automated offside and suggested learning from trials of coach challenge systems.
Additional measures target time-wasting. Referees can start a five-second countdown for slow throw-ins and goal kicks, with throw-ins reversed or corners given for delays. Substitutions must be completed within 10 seconds, otherwise the substitute must wait at least a minute before entering. These changes are expected to be in place by June, along with new disciplinary measures on discriminatory behaviour.
