VAR Expansion Proposal at World Cup
FIFA is reportedly considering a special approval that would expand VAR authority at the 2026 World Cup, according to The Times.
Under this plan, VAR reviews could extend beyond the current four categories to include corner kick decisions and second yellow cards leading to a red.
Fans and bettors at 12BET Malaysia are closely watching these potential changes, as officiating accuracy directly affects match outcomes.
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Current VAR Limits and Why Changes Are Considered
At present, VAR is only permitted to intervene in four scenarios:
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Goals
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Penalties
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Direct red cards
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Mistaken identity
Some FIFA officials believe these limits are insufficient for a tournament as high-stakes as the World Cup.
A wrongly awarded corner or a controversial second yellow could determine the fate of a semifinal or even the final.
This concern has sparked discussions about temporarily expanding VAR powers specifically for the 2026 edition.
Past Tournaments Used for New Rule Testing
Using a major international competition as a testing ground isn’t new.
VAR itself was trialed during the 2017 Confederations Cup and Club World Cup before being widely adopted.
This time, FIFA may again use the World Cup as a controlled trial, while domestic leagues such as the Premier League or La Liga are unlikely to adopt these expanded reviews next season.
Players, analysts, and 12BET Malaysia communities are already debating whether these changes could reshape modern football.
Debate Over Reviewing Corners and Yellow Cards
Set pieces have become increasingly crucial in elite football, making corner-kick accuracy more relevant.
Still, critics worry that expanding VAR could lead to more interruptions, something UEFA firmly opposes.
The second yellow review idea is slightly more welcomed.
Based on IFAB’s earlier statements, the review would focus only on the second yellow, although this raises new questions:
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If the second yellow can be reviewed, why not the first?
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If both can be reviewed, will VAR interfere too much?
This grey area remains a major obstacle.
Other New Rules Being Tested
During the FIFA Arab Cup this week, another new rule is being tested:
Players who go down injured must leave the pitch for two minutes, unless they were fouled in an incident involving a card.
This aims to reduce fake injuries and unnecessary stoppages.
Episodes like the recent Premier League match—where Manchester City’s goalkeeper used an injury delay for a tactical huddle—have fueled demands for stricter control.
Final Decision Depends on IFAB
Any rule change must be approved by IFAB.
The board consists of:
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4 votes from UK associations
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4 votes from FIFA
A total of 6 votes is required for the proposal to pass.
To convince IFAB, FIFA must prove the expanded VAR checks can be done within seconds, without disrupting match flow.
For fans tracking officiating trends and match dynamics, 12BET Malaysia will continue offering analysis, previews, and odds throughout the World Cup cycle.
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