Football authorities are contemplating expanding the authority of VAR. Suggestions to allow video technology to reverse incorrect second yellow cards may be presented to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body overseeing the rules of association football.
The upcoming Annual Business Meeting of IFAB in January, to be held in London, will address the potential inclusion of video match officials in such situations under the VAR protocol. Currently, only red cards or cautions due to mistaken identity can be overturned.
A recent incident involving Olympiacos player Santiago Hezze receiving a second yellow card against Barcelona sparked debate. He was penalized for an alleged foul on Marc Cassado, but upon review, it seemed Cassado had exaggerated the contact.
Despite calls for VAR intervention from the sidelines, the technology is presently not authorized to make judgments in such cases. Barcelona capitalized on the situation and went on to win 6-1, with the score at 2-1 during the incident.
Granting more authority to VAR raises concerns due to occasional high-profile errors. Recent instances, like the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel highlighting errors affecting Fulham and Wolves, underscore the system’s imperfections.
The panel criticized VAR decisions that disallowed Josh King’s goal against Chelsea and denied Wolves a penalty following a foul by Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye on Hugo Bueno. The consensus was that VAR interventions, including highlighting player actions and disallowing goals, were incorrect.
The virtual meeting of IFAB’s Football and Technical Advisory Panels also discussed the success of new rules to deter goalkeeper time-wasting. Initiatives like an eight-second time limit for goalkeepers holding the ball have been implemented in the Premier League this season.
Proposals are being considered to extend similar time restrictions to throw-ins and goal kicks, aiming to reduce time lost to injuries and substitutions. The introduction of “only the captain” guidelines, which promote respectful interactions between players and referees, has been positively received and may become a mandatory protocol in the Laws of the Game.
In other news, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season. Members can save £192 and access over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, and more. Sky plans to broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase from the previous season.
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