- IFAB considers expanding VAR powers to corners, penalties, and second yellow cards
- A radical penalty reform could eliminate rebounds after saved shots
- Final decision expected by March 2026, with changes effective from 1 June
Key Takeaways:
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is considering serious changes to the scope of the VAR system.
According to The Times, one of the main proposals is to expand the system’s authority so that it can intervene in contentious situations related to corner kicks, penalties, and second yellow cards. These potential changes could come into effect as early as before the 2026 World Cup.
🤔 IFAB may allow VAR to intervene in second yellow card incidents and incorrectly awarded corners. There are also plans to ban rebounds after penalty saves.
These new rules could be tested as early as the 2026 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/8gXMnUGsL5
— Boomerang Bet (@Boomerang_SB) July 17, 2025
Among the most radical ideas is a drastic rethink of the penalty execution. Under the proposed change, if the goalkeeper saves the penalty, the play would be considered over, with no right to follow up. This would eliminate the possibility of goals from rebounds, which often lead to controversy and tension.
Regarding corner kicks, IFAB is discussing the option for VAR to overturn wrongly awarded corners—something that has so far not fallen under the system’s remit. This change reportedly enjoys “broad support” among the governing bodies.
More controversial remains the idea of VAR intervention in cases of a second yellow card, as these situations are typically subject to interpretation and are hard to standardise.
These potential reforms will be discussed further at IFAB’s annual working meeting in November, with final decisions possibly made at the general assembly in March next year. If approved, the new rules will come into effect on 1 June 2026, just ahead of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.