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IFAB Advances VAR Powers and Time‑Wasting Measures as Offside Revamp Remains on Trial

The package now heads to a 28 February vote, after which FIFA could apply approved elements at the 2026 World Cup.

Overview

  • Video review would extend to wrongly awarded corner kicks in real time and to checking the second yellow that triggers a dismissal, with wrong-identity cards also corrigible.
  • The time‑wasting plan adds an eight‑second countdown to throw‑ins and goal‑kicks, a ten‑second substitution window, and a mandatory spell off the field after on‑pitch treatment, with exact timings still to be set.
  • IFAB opted to keep testing offside reforms, including the FIFA‑backed 'daylight' concept, and reported progress on semi‑automated offside and the Football Video Support pilot, while supporting trials of referee bodycams.
  • If approved, the changes would take effect from next season, though FIFA could use them at the 2026 tournament and competitions may choose whether to adopt optional corner‑kick reviews.
  • Backers such as Gianni Infantino and Arsène Wenger argue offside reform would favor attacking play, while refereeing figures and league voices caution against limited testing and expanded VAR interventions.