Alex MacQuoid
VAR Powers Expanded: New Rules for Corner Kicks and Bookings Announced
The role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is set to undergo significant changes, with international football lawmakers approving an expansion of the technology’s influence. These new regulations, decided by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) in Wales, will come into effect this summer, potentially impacting the upcoming World Cup and likely the Bundesliga next season.
VAR to Review Corner Kicks and Key Yellow Cards
Moving forward, the VAR will be tasked with reviewing corner kicks for correctness. This intervention is specifically aimed at preventing goals that directly result from incorrectly awarded corners, provided the check can be performed immediately without delaying play.
Additionally, the VAR will now review yellow cards that directly lead to an expulsion from the game. However, initial yellow cards or uncalled fouls that could have resulted in a yellow-red card will not be reviewed, unless there is clear evidence of mistaken identity regarding the player or team penalized.
The goal is to ensure fairness in crucial moments of the game, particularly when a wrong decision could immediately impact the score.
VAR. Source: Facebook
Countdown Timers for Throw-ins and Goal Kicks
Building on the existing eight-second rule for goalkeepers on goal kicks, a countdown principle will now extend to throw-ins and goal kicks. If the referee deems a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or being intentionally delayed, a five-second visual countdown will commence.
Should the ball not be in play at the end of the countdown, the opposing team will be awarded a throw-in. A delayed goal kick will result in a corner kick for the opposition. This initiative seeks to increase the pace of play and reduce time-wasting.
New Rules for Substitutions and Injured Players
Substituted players will now have a strict ten-second window to leave the field once the substitution board is displayed. Failure to comply means the incoming player cannot enter the pitch until the next break in play.
Furthermore, if a player receives treatment on the field for an injury that halts the game, they must leave the pitch and remain off for one minute after play resumes. This discourages excessive time-wasting from minor injuries.
Implementation and Governing Bodies
While these new rules are not mandatory for all competitions, it is standard practice for national federations, such as the DFB and DFL in Germany, to align on their implementation. The Ifab, which includes the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) each with one vote, and FIFA with four votes, is the globally recognized authority for football rules.
This expansion of VAR powers and the introduction of new timing regulations signify a continued effort to refine football’s laws, aiming for a faster, fairer game.