There are reports that a FIFA-established VAR panel is in discussions to decide on significant adjustments to Premier League officiating.
According to reports, a FIFA-established committee is investigating whether or not VAR’s capabilities should be extended to include free kicks, corners, and second yellow cards. The Times reports that the team has been looking at the idea of handing VAR extra authority.
VAR advancements are reportedly scheduled to be discussed at The International Football Association Board’s (Ifab) business meeting in London on Tuesday. However, no decisions will be taken prior to the governing body’s annual meeting in March. Second yellow cards cannot be brandished or revoked at this time due to VAR limitations.
It is known that the VAR working group is eager to improve officiating accuracy, therefore it’s possible that video replays may be used to evaluate corners, free kicks, and second bookable offenses. Ifab’s approval would be required for any changes to the regulations.
They are composed of four British FAs, each with one vote, and FIFA, which has four votes of its own. Six votes would be necessary to decide on procedures.
Given that Liverpool was wrongfully denied a perfectly legitimate goal in their September 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, manager Jurgen Klopp of the Reds requested a review of the game, which has led to heightened criticism of VAR in subsequent months. Similar to this, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been vocal in his criticism of the officiating, expressing his ire at some of the calls made against his team in a recent 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
