Ifab extends VAR remit to cover corners and second yellow cards

Football’s lawmakers have extended VAR’s remit to cover corners and second yellow cards while introducing strict new measures to combat time-wasting.

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) ratified the changes at their annual general meeting in Wales on Saturday.

These updates to the laws of the game will officially come into effect on 1 July.

However, the new protocols are set to be adopted immediately for the World Cup beginning on 11 June.

Expanded video review powers

Video assistant referees will now have the option to check corner kicks for the first time.

The board emphasised that these checks are not mandatory and must only be used to spot obvious errors without delaying the restart.

The core protocol has also been widened to allow reviews of incorrectly awarded second yellow cards.

Technology can now be utilised to identify cases of mistaken identity where a sanction is given to the wrong player.

However, officials in the booth will not be permitted to advise on-field referees to issue a second caution if one was originally missed during live play.

Crackdown on time-wasting

Beyond technology, the global governing body approved a package of measures designed to maintain the tempo of matches.

Referees will be empowered to start a five-second countdown if they perceive delays over throw-ins or goal kicks.

Substitutions must now be completed within a strict 10-second window.

Failure to leave the pitch in that time will result in the incoming player waiting on the sideline for at least one minute before entering.

Further deterrents include a mandatory one-minute period off the field for any player requiring treatment that forces a stoppage.

The Premier League had previously trialled a 30-second window for injuries, but lawmakers felt a longer duration was required to stop tactical disruptions.

Future trials and player conduct

Ifab also agreed to conduct specific trials to assess tactical injury delays by goalkeepers.

New consultations will be held to address teams walking off in protest against decisions.

The board is also looking into banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations to hide potential abuse.

These discussions follow recent high-profile incidents involving Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.