VAR expansion under consideration ahead of World Cup
Football’s governing bodies are actively exploring whether to grant video assistant referees (VAR) additional authority ahead of this summer’s World Cup, reports BritPanorama.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is examining potential changes to existing protocols that would allow VAR officials to intervene when fouls occur just prior to the ball being put into play. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, confirmed that discussions remain ongoing regarding this proposed expansion of video review capabilities.
During a recent briefing, Collina cited England’s March friendly against Uruguay as a significant example of the problem requiring attention. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Collina argued that Ben White’s goal should not have been allowed to stand due to a foul committed by Adam Wharton, who obstructed Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez.
“We are convinced that this goal cannot stand, it is completely unfair,” Collina stated. He further expressed optimism that IFAB will provide clarification on whether VAR can intervene just before the ball is in play ahead of the World Cup.
“If a foul is committed just before the ball is in play, we are convinced that nobody can object to something,” Collina added. However, when asked if this would result in a protocol adjustment or a fundamental change to the laws of the game, he refrained from speculating, stating, “I don’t want to spoil the conclusion before it is taken.”
From this summer, VAR will already see its remit broadened, gaining the ability to review dismissals stemming from incorrect second bookings and cases of mistaken identity involving yellow cards. Additionally, officials will be allowed to intervene when corner kicks are incorrectly awarded in place of goal kicks.
Apart from these VAR discussions, FIFA is also addressing the increasingly common practice of teams exploiting injury stoppages for tactical meetings. Collina emphasized that players will not be permitted to leave the field to confer with coaches while a goalkeeper is receiving treatment for an injury.
As the landscape of football continues to evolve, the implications of such changes—should they materialize—will resonate throughout matches, shaping how the game is perceived and contested at all levels.
