VAR Set for a Major Expansion: Football Lawmakers Consider Radical Changes

New Powers for VAR Under Discussion

Football lawmakers are considering a significant expansion of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) powers, potentially allowing officials to intervene in key set-piece situations such as corners and free-kicks that could lead to penalties. This proposed change could mark one of the most radical shifts in the game’s officiating system in recent years.

What's Changing: VAR to Cover More Scenarios

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for football’s rules, is reviewing possible reforms that would allow VAR to monitor:

• Corner kicks
• Free kicks
• Attacking set-pieces that may result in penalties

Currently, VAR can only intervene in four specific areas: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. The proposed change would significantly widen VAR’s scope, bringing more consistency and accuracy in controversial game situations.

Why This Matters for the Future of Football

This expansion aims to reduce player manipulation and off-the-ball incidents inside the box, especially during set-pieces. With players often committing subtle fouls that are difficult for referees to spot in real-time, VAR intervention could:

• Enhance fairness by catching unseen fouls
• Discourage diving and simulation in the penalty area
• Ensure consistency in penalty decisions

IFAB’s technical trials could begin as early as next season, starting with top-level competitions where VAR is already in place.

Mixed Reactions Across the Football World

While some fans and experts believe that expanding VAR will improve accuracy and reduce controversy, others worry about the growing delays and interruptions to the game’s natural flow. Critics argue that more VAR involvement could:

• Disrupt match rhythm due to frequent reviews
• Reduce referee authority on pitch
• Increase confusion among fans and players

However, IFAB insists that maintaining the flow of the game will remain central to how any rule changes are implemented.

What’s Next for VAR in Football?

A formal proposal could be presented at IFAB’s Annual General Meeting in 2024, opening the door for high-level testing. If successful, the expanded VAR powers may be introduced across global leagues, setting a new standard for the age of tech-assisted refereeing. Stay tuned as football enters a new era where technology plays an even bigger role in shaping fair outcomes and improving decision-making on the pitch.