FIFA expands the use of VAR
The so-called Wenger Law will remain under review for another year, as officials instead focus on widening the scope of VAR and cracking down on time-wasting.
The International Football Association Board, founded in 1886, remains one of the last bastions of traditional soccer governance. It is the game’s ultimate rule-making authority, operating under the umbrella of FIFA and meeting once a year to decide on changes to the Laws of the Game. The decision-making body consists of one representative from each of the four British football associations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England) and four FIFA representatives. Any rule change requires six votes in favor.
This year’s annual general meeting takes place Saturday, February 28, when lawmakers will determine which amendments to introduce. The Wenger Law, aimed at improving offside, will stay on the table for further study, with priority instead given to expanding VAR’s authority and reducing time-wasting.
VAR’s expanding remit
Beginning with the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, VAR will be permitted to intervene in cases of clear and obvious errors on corner-kick decisions in either direction, meaning it can review whether the correct restart is a goal kick or a corner. VAR will also be allowed to review second yellow cards to determine whether they are justified, something that has not previously been permitted. The push is for greater intervention, but with faster decisions.
In recent months, officials considered requiring any player who receives on-field medical treatment to remain off the field for two minutes, in an effort to deter players from feigning injuries. After a two-minute trial during the Arab Cup, the measure is now expected to be reduced to one minute.
Final approval is also expected for a countdown system on goal kicks and throw-ins, with violations punished by awarding a corner kick or throw-in to the opposing team. A proposal will also require substituted players to leave the field within 10 seconds.
As a result, both the Wenger Law and the possibility of allowing coaches to request VAR reviews have been shelved for at least another year.
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