Full Breakdown
VAR Protocol Expanded to Cover Pre-Kick Fouls Ahead of World Cup
5/31/2026, 11:52:02 PM
New VAR Scope Allows Review of Pre-Kick Fouls
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a protocol amendment requested by Pierluigi Collina that permits the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to intervene when a foul occurs before the ball is in play on set pieces like corners or free-kicks. The change applies to goals, penalty decisions and disciplinary sanctions, and will be in force for the World Cup, with a post-tournament review. The amendment was prompted by the England-Uruguay 1-1 draw at Wembley, where Adam Wharton blocked Jose Maria Giménez before Cole Palmer’s corner, leading to a Harvey Barnes shot saved by Fernando Muslera and a Ben White goal which could not be reviewed under previous VAR rules.
Key Figures
The amendment involves Pierluigi Collina, IFAB, England and Uruguay national teams, Adam Wharton, Jose Maria Giménez, Cole Palmer, Harvey Barnes, Fernando Muslera, Ben White, and UEFA, which introduced a red-card rule for covering the mouth after a Champions League incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Official Statements & Responses
Collina said the England goal was unfair because the defender was prevented from defending, and stressed that the new VAR scope targets only attacking fouls. He also explained that covering the mouth in a confrontational exchange will now be a red-card offence, and referees will receive tactical data to monitor grappling inside the penalty area.
Verbatim Quotes
- "We think this is very unfair, that the goal is given when the defender is prevented from being able to defend." — Pierluigi Collina, IFAB Chairman
- "A clear, illegal block made by an attacker. The only objective was to prevent the defender from being able to defend on his opponent." — Pierluigi Collina
- "We are very confident to receive a clarification from the IFAB before the World Cup, saying that the VAR can intervene just before the ball is in play. We are convinced that nobody can object." — Pierluigi Collina
- "If the conversation is friendly, they can continue to do it without any problem. When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card." — Pierluigi Collina
Why It Matters
The amendment ensures that attacking fouls before set-piece execution can be corrected, potentially altering goals, penalty decisions, and disciplinary actions. It also introduces stricter sanctions for mouth-covering gestures, aiming to curb homophobic conduct.
What's Next
The new VAR scope will be operational for the World Cup, with referees receiving tactical data to monitor grappling. IFAB has pledged to review the rule after the tournament to assess its effectiveness and unintended consequences.
