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DFB Refereeing Tech Chief Criticizes IFAB Plan to Expand VAR Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Germany’s officiating lead warns the plan risks slower matches with renewed subjectivity.

Overview

  • IFAB has proposed allowing video reviews of corner decisions and second-yellow incidents that lead to a red card, expanding beyond the current remit.
  • Under existing protocols, VAR may only intervene on goals, penalties, straight red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
  • Jochen Drees called the expansion "not what we want," arguing it opens fresh judgment calls, would likely create artificial delays and could shift blame back to on-field officials.
  • Drees questioned the logic of checking only a second caution, suggesting consistency would require reviews of first yellow cards as well.
  • The proposals face a vote at the IFAB General Assembly on 28 February in Wales, require a three-quarter majority, and could be implemented for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico; critics also warn of added burdens for national leagues, with some analysis linking the move to a broader drift toward automated officiating.