IFAB Approves New Amendments to Expand VAR Interventions
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved new rules for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, making it more interventionist compared to the current model. These updated regulations are set to be implemented during the upcoming World Cup finals before their widespread adoption in regular domestic leagues starting from the next football season.
These significant changes aim to introduce additional scenarios that allow VAR intervention in controversial situations, theoretically contributing to enhancing the principle of refereeing justice. However, this expansion of powers carries the potential to slow down the pace of matches and increase stoppage times, which could affect the flow of play.
Under the current system, VAR's role is limited to assisting referees in cases of clear and obvious errors or serious incidents related to goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. The new direction seeks to go beyond these restrictions, providing referees with more comprehensive tools for managing matches.
IFAB also intends to accelerate the pace of matches by imposing penalties for delays in taking goal kicks or throw-ins, as well as during substitutions. This decision is part of a package of measures aimed at reducing time-wasting and ensuring the continuity of play for as long as possible during the 90 minutes.
