Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Tuesday, 28 October 2025, 22:08 / Updated Tuesday, 28 October 2025 22:18
The IFAB (International Football Association Board) is preparing major changes to the rules of football, and the VAR (Video Assistance System) system could be extended to intervene in second yellow card cases as well, starting next year.
The proposals are to be considered at a meeting scheduled in London on 20 January 2026.
VAR could also intervene in the second “yellow”
Until now, video intervention was only allowed in four clear situations:
The IFAB is looking into the possibility that the VAR can also intervene when a player is at risk of being sent off after two yellow cards, in order to correct possible refereeing mistakes.
If the change is approved, it would represent one of the biggest expansions of VAR's role since its introduction in modern football.
“Wenger's Law” – still under analysis
Another important item on the agenda of the meeting is the proposed offside rule, known as “Wenger's Law”, promoted by Arsene Wenger (76), former Arsenal manager and current director of global football development at FIFA.
According to this rule, a player would only be considered offside if his entire body (excluding arms) is in front of the last defender.
The goal of the change would be to reduce phases “to the millimeter” and encourage offensive play.
However, IFAB members decided to delay the adoption of the rule, considering that further tests and studies are needed before a final decision.
Experimental tests, supported by Wenger, have already been carried out in youth competitions in China and Canada, but the analysis continues, according to espn.com.
Measures against procrastination
Another subject targeted by the IFAB is the reduction of interruptions and time loss.
Currently, goalkeepers can be penalized for prolonged possession of the ball, but the new proposal aims to extend this rule to throw-ins and goal kicks.
The aim is to increase the pace and fluidity of matches, a constant concern of FIFA in recent years.
IFAB: “Rules must remain simple and universal”
IFAB officials emphasized that any change will have to be easily applied at amateur level as well, not just in top football where VAR is used.
We must be careful not to change the rules just for the football elite. They must remain applicable and understandable at all levels.
– said the organization's representatives.
