No need to extend VAR powers, says FA chief

Because the game is “enough interrupted in the current model,” according to Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham, there isn’t “any need” to expand the use of the video assistant referee system.

According to reports, the International FA Board (Ifab), which regulates football’s laws, might be asked to broaden video assistant referee (VAR) powers to include corner kicks and second yellow cards.

However, the FA, which sits on the body along with Fifa and three other British associations, has now made its position known.

Bullingham told BBC Sport, “We don’t believe that the use of VAR should be extended.”

“Ifab hosts regular discussions about what VAR should be and how it should advance. We currently appear to be in a good position, in my opinion.

“Of course, if someone brings something forward for Ifab to take into consideration, we will take it as a group.”

However, we as a group don’t necessarily believe that VAR needs to be extended right now.

Bullingham responded, “We think the current model has enough interruptions to the game,” when asked why he felt that way.

Some people think the technology should be developed to improve the accuracy of decisions, but it can only be used to rule on specific situations, such as goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. On-field officials are currently making calls for corners and free kicks.

Pierluigi Collina, the head of Fifa’s referees, stated in 2023 that expanding the use of VAR would be a consideration, but that it must not lead to longer delays.

Numerous sources have informed BBC Sport that Ifab has not received any suggestions to expand the scope of VAR, and that some board members would oppose any change if it was presented at its annual meeting in November.

Any vote would be cast at the organization’s March annual general meeting in Cardiff. Fifa has four votes, while each of the British associations has one. A three-quarters of the board must consent before a rule change can be passed.

Referee Michael Oliver sent Leandro Trossard off last season for 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Arsenal.

In the second half of the first half, Bernardo Silva was shown a second yellow card after kicking the ball away.

VAR was unable to intervene under the current regulations.

The Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel concluded with Oliver’s decision. However, there was disagreement because a panelist believed that the “split-second nature of the kick away was sufficient of a mitigating factor.”

The KMI panel concluded that five second yellow cards were given incorrectly during the Premier League season 2024-2005:

Three second yellow cards were also omitted:

Nearly two-thirds of fans opposed the use of VAR in English football, according to a survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association in 2023.

A senior Premier League official admitted last year that fans were getting a bad in-stadium experience by making long decisions about VARs.

Wolves’ vote to end the 2023-24 Premier League season was met by a 19-1 decision to keep it, but the clubs then voted against keeping it.