FIFA and IFAB have approved sweeping changes to VAR, red cards and time-wasting laws - with potential consequences for Sunderland and their Premier League rivals next season
A series of law amendments approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) could have implications for Sunderland if they remain in the Premier League next season.
The most eye-catching development is an expansion of VAR’s remit. From June 1, video officials will be able to intervene in situations involving incorrectly awarded second yellow cards, as well as certain corner decisions. The changes will be introduced at this summer’s World Cup and will also be adopted in time for the 2026-27 campaign, though domestic leagues will retain some discretion over whether they adopt every aspect.
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FIFA has been keen to widen VAR’s scope so that it can correct clear and obvious mistakes quickly. However, not all competitions are expected to embrace the corner review element, amid concerns about further delays. The Premier League is not currently anticipated to opt in on that front.
There has been broader support for allowing VAR to overturn wrongly issued second cautions. In recent seasons, England’s Key Match Incidents Panel has highlighted a number of players who were dismissed for two bookings that were later deemed incorrect. Under the revised protocol, clear errors of that nature could now be rectified. VAR will also be able to step in where a yellow card has been shown to the wrong team - for example, if a player is booked for handball but replays show the offence was committed by an opponent.
Beyond VAR, IFAB has introduced measures designed to address time-wasting and improve match tempo. Following the introduction of the eight-second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball, countdowns will now apply to goal-kicks and throw-ins. If a player exceeds the allotted time, possession will be handed to the opposition - meaning a delayed goal-kick could become a corner, or a throw-in reversed.
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Substitutions are also affected. A replaced player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will delay the incoming substitute and leave the team temporarily short-handed for at least 60 seconds, or until the next stoppage. Injury protocols are being tightened too. Outfield players who go down and require treatment will now have to remain off the pitch for a minimum of one minute - double the current 30-second guideline in the Premier League. Goalkeepers are exempt, and exceptions will apply in certain disciplinary scenarios or penalty situations.
IFAB has also amended the “denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity” (Dogso) law. Officials will now consider not only whether the fouled player was through on goal, but also whether teammates were in a position to receive a pass and score. This could widen the circumstances in which red cards are issued for professional fouls on counter-attacks. Elsewhere, Arsene Wenger’s long-mooted offside proposal - requiring a clear gap between attacker and defender - will finally be trialled in Canada, with findings reported later in the year.
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