VAR TO EXPAND ITS ROLE WITH TWO NEW REVIEWABLE DECISIONS AT THE WORLD CUP

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will have greater influence at this year's World Cup after football authorities approved two additional situations that can now be reviewed during matches. Under the updated protocol, VAR will be allowed to intervene if a corner kick has been awarded incorrectly. This means officials can review incidents where the ball may not have touched the defending team before going out of play, potentially preventing teams from benefiting from wrongly awarded set-piece opportunities. VAR will also be able to review yellow cards that are deemed to have been issued incorrectly. If a review determines that a caution was wrongly shown, referees will have the authority to overturn the booking. The two additions join the existing categories already covered by VAR, including goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. Football's lawmakers have clarified that no other new decisions will be subject to VAR intervention beyond these additions and the established reviewable incidents. The move is aimed at improving accuracy in key moments while maintaining the flow of the game and avoiding excessive interruptions. The changes are expected to be closely monitored throughout the tournament as FIFA continues its efforts to strike a balance between technology and on-field officiating.