Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 3: Global football governing body FIFA is preparing to introduce Video-Assisted Referee (VAR) checks for corner-kick decisions during the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, despite domestic leagues rejecting the proposal for being too time-consuming.

The idea was discussed at the October meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which approves changes to the Laws of the Game. While IFAB agreed to allow VAR intervention for incorrectly issued second yellow cards, the corner-check proposal did not gain support and will be reviewed again at the January session.

FIFA’s chief refereeing head, Pierluigi Collina, is backing the change as part of a broader update to VAR protocols. He believes any clear and quick VAR-detectable error—including corner decisions—should be communicated to match officials.

Currently, VAR applies only to goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. A change in protocol is needed for the new category.

If IFAB doesn’t approve it in January, the 2026 World Cup may serve as the trial ground.

Domestic leagues, however, remain reluctant. They fear the addition will extend match delays, which have already increased due to longer stoppage times. Incorrect corner decisions have occasionally led to goals, but leagues say appetite for change is low.

Resource constraints are another hurdle. While FIFA deploys up to five VAR staff per game—as seen during the 2022 World Cup—domestic leagues typically operate with only two due to financial and personnel limitations.

FIFA’s advantage also includes advanced technology, such as the connected Adidas match ball that instantly detects the last touch before the ball goes out of play—technology not available in most leagues.

Despite opposition, FIFA remains keen to push its plan forward in time for football’s biggest stage next year.