VAR Reviews to Expand in World Cup Matches Amid Time-Wasting Clampdowns
Referees at this summer’s World Cup will see an expansion in the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, with directives to swiftly resolve incidents and enhance the pacing of the game. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees football regulations, aims to keep match delays to a minimum while tackling persistent time-wasting practices.
Why It Matters
This development comes as soccer continues to seek balance between accurate officiating and maintaining flow and excitement for fans. The overdue enhancements to VAR represent a significant shift in how the technology is utilized, emphasizing speed when making critical decisions—one of the biggest complaints among supporters.
Key Developments
- IFAB is set to approve the first expansion of VAR’s role since its introduction, allowing reviews for second yellow cards, incorrect team penalties, and wrongly awarded corners.
- Referees have been instructed to make quick decisions without elongating match time, aligning the technology’s intent with practical application.
- Concerns about player welfare have arisen as match durations exceed 100 minutes during heavy VAR review protocols.
- An emphasis will be placed on reducing time-wasting, including an eight-second limit on goalkeepers holding the ball.
Full Report
Expansion of VAR’s Role
The upcoming changes to VAR protocols have been backed by IFAB and are anticipated to receive formal approval next month. Historically, VAR has been limited to evaluating goals, penalty awards, and dismissals. The new directive allows review of second yellow cards resulting from clear errors, incorrect punishments, and wrongly awarded corners, aiming for faster resolutions to contentious plays.
Positive Intent for Fans
Noel Mooney, the CEO of the Football Association of Wales and chair of a recent IFAB meeting, emphasized the importance of fan experience in the decision-making process. “Fans want accurate decisions but don’t appreciate the delays that can come with them,” he stated in an interview. The adjustments signal an effort to refine VAR usage without causing increased disruptions.
Player Welfare and Game Flow
With some matches stretching beyond 100 minutes due to prolonged VAR reviews, player welfare has taken center stage. Mooney reaffirmed that the theme for IFAB this year centers on reducing distractions to enhance gameplay enjoyment. Immediate decisions and clearer guidance for referees are steps being embraced to address these delays.
New Regulations on Time-Wasting
In addition to VAR updates, IFAB will introduce new regulations aimed at curbing tactical time-wasting, including enforcing an eight-second limit for goalkeepers when holding the ball. This change is intended to ensure a more dynamic and engaging experience for fans, enhancing the time spent in active play.
Context & Previous Events
The initial trials of VAR began in 2016, amidst ongoing debates concerning its impact on football’s integrity. Previous inconsistencies in penalizing players have also contributed to the drive for change, especially where misapplied second yellow cards can significantly affect match outcomes.
