FIFA is pressing ahead with plans to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews for corner kick decisions at the 2026 World Cup, despite opposition from key football associations and a previous rejection of the proposal by the sport’s rule-making body.
According to a report in The Telegraph, FIFA submitted a proposal to the technical panel of football lawmakers last month, seeking approval to allow VAR to check whether corner kicks are awarded correctly.
The initiative is championed by FIFA’s referees chief, Pierluigi Collina, who argues that with the right technology, reviews could be conducted quickly and communicated to officials before the corner is even taken.
The proposal was initially rejected at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in October, but FIFA has decided to pursue it for the 2026 tournament, citing the need for “maximum accuracy” in high-stakes matches. Officials emphasized that incorrectly awarded corners could influence knockout-stage outcomes, including the final.
However, the English Football Association is among those opposing the change, warning that it could slow down matches, undermine on-field officials, and open the door to VAR reviews of other set pieces such as free-kicks and throw-ins.
Despite this, most leagues and clubs reportedly support a separate proposal to allow VAR reviews of second yellow cards, a change expected to take effect next season.
In parallel, FIFA is trialing a separate rule at the ongoing Arab Cup requiring injured players to leave the pitch for two minutes unless fouled by an opponent who received a card, an anti-time-wasting measure that could also inform future regulatory updates.
