The International Football Association Board (IFAB) discussed current issues at its annual business meeting in London – and came to a decision.
It was only in December 2025 that reports emerged from the UK about an adjustment to VAR powers. Just over a month later, it can be confirmed that yes, the IFAB voted in favor of opening up the rules at its business meeting in London. More specifically, following this decision, the Video Assistant Referee will now also be able to intervene in cases where corner kicks have been clearly wrongly awarded by the refereeing team – and, on top of that, rescind yellow-red cards that have been wrongly issued.
However, the VAR must carry out this review, which is initiated on the screens, quickly so as not to influence the flow of the game. The International Football Association Board clearly prohibits further unnecessary delays in play in this context.
No official introduction yet
However, the changes are not yet legally binding and must first be confirmed by the IFAB General Assembly on February 28 in Hensol (Wales). Rule changes then usually come into effect on June 1.
This also means, however, that video referees could already be entrusted with their new tasks at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada this summer (June 11 to July 19). In the Bundesliga, the changes could be implemented as early as the 2026/27 season.
Finger countdown also for throw-ins and goal kicks
In general, the rule makers at the meeting in the English capital focused on innovations designed to speed up the game. For example, the eight-second rule, which already applies to goalkeepers controlling the ball in their hands, will also apply to throw-ins and goal kicks. The referee will use his fingers to indicate a countdown. In addition, players must leave the field within ten seconds of being substituted. The amount of time that players receiving treatment on the field must then wait outside the field has yet to be determined. These are all proposals to the General Assembly. However, implementation is likely, especially since the proposals were already made by the IFAB Technical Committee last fall. The IFAB sets all the rules for world soccer. It includes four representatives from FIFA—including President Gianni Infantino—and one representative each from the national associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
