Football’s governing body is contemplating expanding the authority of VAR. Plans to potentially allow video technology to reverse incorrect second yellow cards are set to be presented to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the entity responsible for overseeing football’s rules.
The upcoming Annual Business Meeting of the IFAB in January in London will address the possibility of video match officials intervening in such situations as part of the VAR protocol. Presently, only direct red cards or cautions resulting from mistaken identity can be overturned.
In a recent incident, Olympiacos player Santiago Hezze received a second yellow card against Barcelona, leading to his dismissal. However, upon review, it was evident that Hezze’s opponent had simulated the foul. Despite calls for VAR involvement from the sidelines, the technology is presently not authorized to make judgments in such cases. Barcelona went on to win the match 6-1.
Granting more authority to VAR raises concerns due to occasional high-profile errors. Notably, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel highlighted instances where Fulham and Wolves were adversely affected by VAR mistakes.
Additionally, discussions during a virtual meeting of the IFAB’s Football and Technical Advisory Panels focused on the success of new rules aimed at preventing goalkeepers from time-wasting. The Premier League implemented an eight-second time limit for goalkeepers this season, with a corner awarded if the ball is held for longer.
There are talks about extending similar time restrictions, with countdowns, for throw-ins and goal kicks to minimize time lost during stoppages caused by injuries and substitutions. The meeting also acknowledged the positive reception of the “only the captain” guidelines, currently optional, which aim to improve interactions between referees and players.
Recommendations have been made by the panels for these guidelines to become a mandatory protocol in the Laws of the Game.