Football lawmakers are considering expanding VAR’s powers to cover corners, penalties, and second yellow cards, in a potential “radical change” ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The proposal could be a game-changer, but it will likely spark debate about the future of officiating.
Football’s governing bodies are reportedly considering a “radical change” that could give VAR more influence over key game decisions, including corners, penalties, and second yellow cards. This proposed shift, which may come into effect just before the 2026 World Cup, would significantly alter the role of video officials and could spark heated debates within the football community.
According to The Times, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is exploring the possibility of allowing VAR to rule on corner kicks, penalties, and second yellow cards. One of the most notable proposed changes is that if a goalkeeper saves a penalty, the ball would be declared “dead,” meaning no goal could be scored from a rebound. Additionally, VAR could potentially intervene in cases where a corner has been wrongly awarded, while the idea of using VAR for second yellow cards remains contentious, as it often involves subjective interpretation by match officials.
Expanding VAR’s responsibilities has been a topic of discussion for years, but this proposal represents a potential shift in how football is officiated. While there is reportedly significant support for increasing VAR’s role in correcting key decisions, many fans and pundits may be divided on the move. The decision could bring increased accuracy to some calls but also raise concerns about further delays to the game’s flow.
The future of VAR’s expanded powers will likely become clearer at IFAB’s annual business meeting in November, with any changes potentially being ratified at the annual general meeting in March. Should these changes be approved, they could be implemented as soon as June 1, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
IFAB board members are reportedly keen to ensure that expanding VAR’s powers wouldn’t lead to longer delays in decision-making. Video officials would need to make rapid decisions within seconds to avoid disrupting the flow of the match. As such, the logistics of implementing these changes will need careful consideration.
Football fans and stakeholders will eagerly await the upcoming IFAB meetings in November and March to learn whether VAR’s role will be expanded. If passed, these changes could have a significant impact on how games are officiated moving forward, and the decision is sure to divide opinion among fans and football professionals alike.
