Pierluigi Collina, the renowned referee chief, makes a bold claim: VAR corner checks won't disrupt the game's flow. But will this innovation truly go uncontested?
In a recent statement, Collina, FIFA's head of referees, advocated for the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to review corner decisions, assuring that it won't cause significant delays. This proposal, however, has already faced resistance from domestic leagues, who rejected the idea of implementing VAR for corner reviews.
FIFA's plan hit a roadblock at the October meeting of the International Football Association Board (Ifab), the guardian of football's laws. Yet, FIFA remains determined to test this concept at the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Collina argues that the natural delay during a corner kick provides an ideal window for VAR checks. Typically, referees wait for the center-backs to position themselves, creating a 10-15-second pause. During this time, VAR could rectify any erroneous corner decisions, ensuring the game restarts on the right foot.
But here's where it gets controversial: Collina questions why officials should turn a blind eye to potential errors when the technology to correct them is available. This stance is in stark contrast to the views of Mark Bullingham, Football Association chief executive, who opposes the change, believing the current system is sufficient.
Collina emphasizes the importance of accurate decisions, suggesting that competition outcomes should hinge on player performance, not referee errors. This philosophy drove the adoption of technology-based refereeing support over a decade ago.
As the debate continues, the Ifab meeting in January will be a pivotal moment for this proposal's fate. Meanwhile, Ifab has already approved the use of VAR to rectify second yellow cards that should not have been shown, indicating a potential shift in the wind for VAR's role in football.
