Football's global governing body, FIFA, is moving towards introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to review corner kick decisions, a significant step aimed at eradicating costly errors from the game's biggest matches.
Collina's Stance on Correcting Critical Errors
The push for change comes directly from FIFA's head of refereeing, the legendary Italian official Pierluigi Collina. Speaking in Washington D.C. ahead of Friday's World Cup draw, Collina argued it would be a "pity" if a major competition was decided not by players' actions, but by an official's honest mistake.
"I believe we must all aim to take correct decisions on the field of play," Collina stated. He emphasised that the key criterion for any intervention is that it must not cause delays. He pointed out that there is a natural pause of 10 to 15 seconds after a corner is awarded as teams organise, which provides a window for a swift VAR review if the decision to award the corner was incorrect.
The Practical Challenges and Previous Rejection
However, the proposal faces practical hurdles. Under the current Laws of the Game, a referee cannot reverse a decision once play has restarted. This means every corner would theoretically need a pre-emptive check, though most would be instantly clear. Concerns over added delays led the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to reject a similar proposal at its October meeting.
The issue was highlighted earlier this season when Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche expressed frustration after his team conceded two goals from incorrectly awarded corners. FIFA insists it has the resources to make rapid decisions and minimise any interruption to the flow of the game.
Broader VAR Changes for 2026 World Cup
Alongside the potential for corner reviews, it was confirmed that semi-automated offside technology is also likely to be used at the next World Cup. Furthermore, in a notable shift, there will be no time limit for VAR checks during the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the summer of 2026.
Collina summarised the driving philosophy: "The main idea is: no delays! Nobody wants more delays." His mission is to ensure the outcome of football's ultimate prize is determined solely by the skill and drama on the pitch, not by an official's unseen error.
