IFAB Discusses Countdown for Throw-Ins and VAR Review for Second Yellow Cards
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body for football's laws, has deliberated on implementing a countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks to mitigate time-wasting.
During a meeting of IFAB's Football and Technical Advisory Panels (FAP-TAP) on Tuesday, members agreed to advance a proposal allowing for video assistant referee (VAR) reviews when a player is sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
However, the panel decided against introducing VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded corners that lead to goals.
This season, the rise in long throw-ins in the Premier League has contributed to delays, as teams often need to position themselves for set-pieces rather than executing quick restarts.
Additionally, goalkeepers have been taking longer for goal-kicks, particularly towards the end of matches, as a tactic to waste time.
This discussion follows a recent law change by IFAB that introduced an eight-second limit for goalkeepers holding the ball during open play. Once the countdown begins, referees will signal when the last five seconds are underway, and if the goalkeeper does not release the ball in time, a corner will be awarded.
On Saturday, Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was penalized with a corner against Liverpool in stoppage time for holding the ball for 13 seconds.
Proposal for VAR Review of Second Yellow Cards Advances
While the countdown remains a topic for further debate, FAP-TAP supported a modification to VAR protocol that would allow for a review when a second yellow card is deemed incorrect.
However, it was noted that reviewing potential second yellow cards would not be feasible due to the high volume of incidents and the delays they could cause.
Over the past two seasons in the Premier League, the Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel has determined that 17 players were incorrectly sent off for receiving two bookings.
This proposal will be presented at IFAB's annual business meeting on January 20 for further discussion, with a likely ratification at the annual general meeting in Cardiff on February 28. If approved, the change would take effect next season.
IFAB has been considering various adjustments to VAR protocols following a comprehensive assessment since its introduction to the laws of the game in 2018.
In July, Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA) — which is a member of IFAB alongside three other British associations and FIFA — stated to BBC Sport that there is "no need" to expand the use of the VAR system.
Additionally, FAP-TAP discussed a low-level trial regarding a modification to the offside law, which would deem a player onside if any part of their body is level with the second-last defender.
Much of the conversation focused on the motivations for altering the law, whether it was in response to contentious marginal offside decisions in VAR competitions or aimed at encouraging attacking play.
Supported by Arsene Wenger, FIFA's head of global football, this concept was first proposed in 2020. However, concerns about its tactical implications have prevented it from reaching full trial stages.
The FAP-TAP, which convenes every October to discuss potential law changes, includes notable former referees, coaches, and players such as Wenger, Luis Figo, and Pierluigi Collina.