VAR rule changes approved by IFAB will allow reviews of second yellow cards and corners at the World Cup to curb errors and time-wasting

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s global law-making body, has approved significant VAR Rule Changes allowing Video Assistant Referee intervention on second yellow cards and corner decisions ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup.

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The decision followed IFAB’s annual meeting held in Cardiff on Saturday, where lawmakers agreed that expanding review powers would improve match accuracy and strengthen fairness during major competitions.

Under the revised regulations, VAR officials will now be permitted to review incidents involving second yellow cards, a category previously excluded from video intervention.

The change is intended to prevent players from being wrongly dismissed following officiating errors.

IFAB also authorised limited reviews of corner decisions, provided the correction can be made immediately without causing delays to play.

Alongside the VAR Rule Changes, football authorities introduced firm new measures aimed at tackling persistent time-wasting, a growing concern across elite competitions.

Goalkeepers, throw-in takers and teams making substitutions will now face strict countdown limits.

Failure to restart play within the allotted time will result in possession being awarded to the opposing side. A delayed goal-kick, for instance, may lead directly to a corner being granted.

Substituted players must enter the pitch within ten seconds after their number is displayed. Any delay will force the incoming player to wait until the next stoppage, typically at least one minute later.

Players who leave the field for medical treatment will also be required to remain off the pitch for a minimum of one minute before returning, except in serious injury situations.

The reforms will officially come into force on July 1 but will be implemented earlier at the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11, marking one of the most decisive officiating reforms in recent years.

IFAB confirmed it would further examine player conduct rules, including incidents involving teams leaving the field in protest or players covering their mouths during discussions with opponents or officials.

Recent controversies have intensified calls for clearer regulations, including a delayed Africa Cup of Nations final following a Senegal walk-off after a late penalty decision against Morocco, and an ongoing UEFA investigation involving Vinícius Júnior after allegations of racial abuse during a Champions League fixture.

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Football officials believe the sweeping changes represent a powerful step towards improving transparency, protecting match integrity and restoring confidence in officiating at the highest level.