FIFA is looking to beef up VAR's authority for the 2026 World Cup. Soon, video refs will be able to make calls on second yellow cards and corner kicks, according to a report from The Times.
Remember when VAR was just supposed to fix "clear and obvious" mistakes? Well, those days are long gone. The technology keeps evolving despite all the controversy it creates in top leagues around Europe.
Just ask Liverpool fans about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City if you want to see some real passion on the subject!
What's Changing with VAR?
Right now, VAR only reviews goals, penalties, straight red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. But for next summer's World Cup, they're adding two more situations to the list.
Video refs will now be able to check second yellow card decisions. They'll also have the power to intervene if they think a corner kick was wrongly awarded.
These changes aren't official just yet. They're expected to be submitted before the International Football Association Board meets in January.
For bettors, this means even more VAR interruptions could impact live betting odds. Corner markets might see significant shifts if decisions get overturned mid-match.
FIFA Testing Anti-Diving Rule
That's not all FIFA has up its sleeve. They're using the Arab Cup as a testing ground for another interesting rule change aimed at reducing play-acting.
Players who receive injury treatment must leave the pitch for two minutes before returning. This rule doesn't apply if the player who committed the foul gets a card.
We've all seen those miraculous recoveries after a player rolls around like they've been shot. Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo and PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma were specifically mentioned as recent examples of suspected injury exaggeration.
This change could significantly impact match flow and game management strategies. Smart bettors might want to consider how teams with smaller benches might struggle if key players need to sit out for those mandatory two minutes.
If approved, all these changes will kick in on June 1, just in time for the tournament that spans across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With VAR getting more power than ever before, expect fewer controversial calls but possibly more stoppages. This might affect total goals markets as extended reviews eat into playing time.
