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VAR and fouls before set pieces

For the World Cup, the IFAB has also approved a clarification to the VAR protocol regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction.

If the offence meets the criteria set out in the clarification, VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which — if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play — the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken.

Before any decision on its broader application is made, the clarification will be reviewed after the tournament.

The laws had dictated that fouls which precede the ball becoming live could not be punished. However, Collina identified this as a loophole, citing Adam Wharton’s illegal block against Uruguay that led to Ben White’s goal for England in March as an example of what they hoped to eradicate.

“I don’t think any of you would be happy for a goal coming as a result of a foul being committed and the reason being that VAR cannot intervene because of protocol,” said Collina.

“Let’s sort this and see what can be next. Changing a wrong corner decision and a foul committed by an attacker is a good step forward.”