The rule-makers are planning far-reaching changes to VAR. These concern corner kicks and dismissals.
The powers of the video assistant could already be expanded at next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 to July 19).
At the meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Tuesday in London, the rule-makers also advocated for some changes to the Laws of the Game “to further improve the flow of play and reduce delays”.
VAR could get new powers
In the future, video referees (VAR) will also be able to review corner kick decisions and the second caution for a yellow-red card. So far, only goals, penalties, red cards, and potential mistaken identity in dismissals may be reviewed.
A ten-second time limit for players during substitutions was also proposed. The eight-second rule, which currently applies to goalkeepers, is to be extended to throw-ins and goal kicks in the future. Furthermore, players who receive medical treatment on the field will have to leave the field and not be allowed to return for a specified period.
Regarding the controversial topic of offside, the Board, chaired by Welshman Noel Mooney, agreed “to continue with tests. Further updates on developments in semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the ongoing FIFA-led test of Football Video Support (FVS) were provided,” it was stated after the meeting.
Both have been “successfully implemented in FIFA tournaments and a number of national competitions.” In addition, the rule-makers spoke out in favor of using body cameras for referees.
The proposals must be approved at the IFAB General Assembly on February 28 in Wales. Rule changes require a three-quarters majority of members.