FIFA and IFAB approve VAR and time-wasting changes that could affect Sunderland and Premier League rivals | OneFootball

FIFA and IFAB have approved wide-ranging updates to VAR, red cards and time-wasting that could affect Sunderland next season if they remain in the Premier League.

From one June, VAR can intervene on wrongly awarded second yellow cards and some corner decisions, debuting at this summer’s World Cup. According to Sunderland Echo, leagues will decide which elements to adopt for 2026-27.

FIFA wants faster correction of clear and obvious errors. Corner reviews may be rejected over delay concerns, and the Premier League is not currently expected to opt in.

There is broad support for correcting mistaken second cautions. VAR may also act if a yellow card is shown to the wrong team, for example when replays show a handball was by an opponent.

To curb time-wasting, countdowns will apply to goal-kicks and throw-ins, following the eight-second goalkeeper rule. Exceeding the limit hands possession to the opposition, so a delayed goal-kick could become a corner or a throw-in be reversed.

Substituted players must leave within 10 seconds, otherwise the replacement is delayed and the team is short-handed for at least 60 seconds or until the next stoppage. Outfield players needing treatment must stay off for a minimum of one minute, with goalkeepers exempt and limited exceptions.

The Dogso law now also asks referees to consider whether a teammate could have received a pass and scored, potentially widening red-card scenarios on counters. Arsene Wenger’s offside proposal, requiring a clear gap, will be trialled in Canada with findings due later this year.

Source: Sunderland Echo