Premier League fans’ worst VAR fears could be realised after imminent meeting

27 November 2023 , 19:09

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Premier League fans’ worst VAR fears could be realised after imminent meeting

The length of VAR interventions in the Premier League could be set to INCREASE with fresh IFAB proposals up for discussion.

The technology has featured in the top flight of English football since the 2019/20 season and provided plenty of debate and controversy. While it has no doubt improved some aspects of the game, there has still been considerable criticism for VAR - particularly after a number of debatable decisions this season.

And VAR calls could become even more common following fresh talks. According to reports, football’s lawmakers on the International FA Board will meet on Tuesday to discuss new developments for VAR.

According to The Sun, that could potentially include free-kicks, corners and second yellow cards coming under the microscope. As it stands, VAR can only intervene when it comes to match-altering situations: goals, red cards or penalties.

Should VAR be given a bigger remit, that could see matches halted far more often. However, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham - who has one of the eight votes that decide the laws - has already expressed his disdain at the proposals.

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He said: “I know that is something we will discuss at IFAB. We would be really reluctant to have a game that was stopped a lot more than it currently is but that will be a proper discussion.”

Referees’ chief Howard Webb has already suggested that officials are not actively aiming to increase the amount of VAR involvement in the Premier League.

Mark Bullingham will take part in a VAR vote on Tuesday (Getty Images)

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Speaking on the latest Mic’d Up, he said: “We don't want too much interference. We've seen negative comments about over-interference by VAR so by reserving it for clear situations, then we feel it serves the game best.

“Recognising those clear situations is important - it's where we put a lot of our time and effort into the training and this type of situation reaches that threshold, and that's the advice we've given to our VARs going forward."

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Away from the potential to halt the game more, there are also a number of other changes set to be up for debate. Tougher handball laws will be considered, with red cards for ‘deliberate’ play potentially being introduced.

Penalties will also be reassessed, with a law set to be introduced where the ball has to touch the centre of the penalty spot, while two trials regarding player discipline will be voted on.

IFAB hope to introduce a law where captains are only allowed to talk to the referee mid-match and a ‘sin-bin’ could be considered instead of red cards, where a sending off would be considered too severe.

Daniel Orme