Are VAR corner checks really going to slow down the game? That's the question on everyone's mind, and according to FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, the answer is a resounding no. But let's dive deeper, shall we? This is a topic that's stirring up quite a bit of debate in the football world.
Collina assures us that using Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to review corner kick decisions won't cause significant delays in matches. He argues that there's already a natural pause before a corner is taken, as players position themselves. He believes that if a wrong corner decision is made, it's crucial to correct it, even if it takes a few extra seconds.
The proposal to bring VAR into corner kick decisions was initially rejected by domestic leagues. This decision was made at an October meeting of the International Football Association Board (Ifab), the body that determines the rules of the game. However, FIFA is planning to trial this idea at the 2026 World Cup finals, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Collina explained that the main concern is to avoid delays. He pointed out that there's already a built-in delay of 10-15 seconds while players get ready for the corner kick. During this time, if the corner kick was wrongly awarded, everyone can see the mistake, and it should be corrected. "Why do we have to hide our heads under the sand and hope that nothing happens on the corner kick which is taken?" Collina questioned.
But here's where it gets controversial... Mark Bullingham, the Football Association chief executive, who is also on the Ifab board, has previously expressed his opposition to the change. This highlights the differing opinions within the football community.
Collina's main argument is that correct decisions are paramount. He believes that the outcome of a match shouldn't be determined by a referee's honest mistake. "It would be a pity if the result of a competition is decided not by what the players do on the field of play, but by an honest mistake made by the decision-maker," he stated. This is the reason why technology has been introduced to support referees.
He further added, "I think we should all have as the objective to make correct decisions on the field of play."
The Ifab will discuss these measures further at their next meeting in January. At the October meeting, Ifab did agree to expand VAR to cover incorrectly shown second yellow cards that lead to a red card.
What do you think? Do you agree with Collina that VAR on corners won't cause delays and will help make the right calls? Or do you side with those who are against the change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
