Will VAR be abolished? Critical meeting from IFAB

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will discuss whether the referee in charge of VAR should intervene in more situations during a match.

IFAB and FIFA are continuing their efforts to expand the scope of the Video Assistant Referee.

According to a report in The Times, potential changes regarding VAR will be discussed at today's IFAB meeting in England. The report states that the VAR commission established by FIFA is evaluating whether to give video assistant referees more responsibility and that this issue will be addressed at today's meeting. However, it is emphasized that FIFA is concerned about the game being stopped too frequently.

FINAL DECISION RESTS WITH IFAB

While it is stated that no decision is expected before IFAB's annual meeting in March, it is noted that if the scope of VAR is expanded, video assistant referees could intervene in situations such as free kicks, corners, and second yellow cards. It is emphasized that even if FIFA approves the change regarding VAR, the final decision will be made by IFAB.

Mark Bullingham, Chief Executive of the English Football Association and member of the IFAB Board of Directors, stated in his remarks on the subject, "I know this is a topic we will discuss at IFAB. We do not want a match to stop more than it currently does, but we will discuss it."