Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the Football Association, has stated that there is “no need” to broaden the scope of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, citing that there are already “sufficient interruptions” to the game under the current framework.
Reports have suggested that the International FA Board (Ifab), which oversees the laws of football, might be asked to consider expanding VAR’s authority to include corner kicks and second yellow cards.
However, the FA, which is represented on the board alongside the other three British associations and FIFA, has made its stance clear against such changes.
“We believe there is no necessity to extend VAR’s use,” Bullingham remarked. “There are ongoing discussions within Ifab regarding the future of VAR, and we feel that our current position is satisfactory.”
He added, “If a proposal is brought to Ifab for consideration, we will evaluate it as a group. However, we do not currently see a need to expand VAR.”
When asked for his reasoning, Bullingham explained, “We believe there are already enough interruptions in the game with the current model.”
At present, VAR is limited to specific situations, such as goals, penalty calls, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, while on-field officials make decisions regarding free kicks and corners.
Some argue that expanding VAR could enhance decision-making accuracy.
In 2023, FIFA’s refereeing chief, Pierluigi Collina, mentioned that the possibility of broadening VAR’s use would be examined, but emphasized that it should not lead to increased delays.
Multiple sources have informed journalists that Ifab has not received any proposals to expand VAR’s scope, and several board members would likely oppose any such suggestions if they were presented at the annual meeting in November.
Any voting on this matter would occur during the annual general meeting in March, which is scheduled to take place in Cardiff. Each of the British associations holds one vote on motions, while FIFA has four votes.
A change in the rules requires a three-quarters majority from the board.
Controversies Over Second Yellow Cards
Last season, during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, referee Michael Oliver issued a second yellow card to Leandro Trossard for kicking the ball away after a foul on Bernardo Silva, resulting in his dismissal.
Under the current regulations, VAR was unable to intervene in this situation.
Following the match, the Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel concluded that Oliver’s decision was correct, though not unanimously, as one panel member believed the “split-second nature of the kick” should have been considered a mitigating factor.
In the first half of the 2024-25 Premier League season, the KMI panel determined that five second yellow cards had been issued incorrectly:
– Brighton 2-2 Nottingham Forest, September 22 – Morgan Gibbs-White (82nd minute)
– Fulham 1-3 Aston Villa, October 19 – Jaden Philogene (90+3)
– Ipswich 1-1 Leicester, November 2 – Kalvi
