Premier League set to reject IFAB’s expanded VAR powers ahead of 2026 World Cup

Premier League clubs are reportedly prepared to vote against adopting IFAB’s expanded VAR powers—measures already approved earlier this year that would permit video review of corner-kick incidents and second-yellow-card offences. The decision, expected at the league’s annual general meeting next month, follows advice from PGMOL and growing concern among clubs, broadcasters and supporters about the length and disruption of matches if VAR intervention is widened.

Why it matters

If Premier League clubs reject the IFAB changes, England’s top flight will diverge from the approach planned for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where tournament referees are expected to use the broader review powers. That split would mean fans, managers and players in domestic matches will continue under the current VAR remit while international refereeing at the World Cup could apply additional checks for set pieces and second-yellow incidents.

What the proposed VAR changes would do

IFAB approved a rule change in February that expands the scope of VAR to include reviews of corner-kick decisions and incidents leading to a second yellow card. FIFA requested this broader remit for the 2026 World Cup, arguing that missed offences in those high-stakes situations can decide matches and tournaments. The World Cup refereeing team is therefore expected to apply the extended VAR powers during the tournament.

Why Premier League clubs are resisting

According to the reports, PGMOL has advised Premier League clubs against implementing the wider VAR interventions domestically. The refereeing body’s concerns focus on longer stoppages, added pressure on match officials and potential frustration for broadcasters and supporters. Data cited in the reporting indicates English football already suffers substantial VAR-related stoppage time—more than 1,100 minutes per season—higher than other major European leagues, a statistic used by clubs to argue against expanding interventions.

• IFAB approved expanded VAR reviews (corners and second-yellow incidents) in February.
• FIFA has asked that the broader VAR powers be used at the 2026 World Cup.
• Premier League clubs are reported to be set to vote against adopting those changes at next month’s AGM.
• PGMOL has reportedly advised the Premier League that additional VAR authority could lengthen matches and increase disruption.
• Reported data suggests the Premier League already records over 1,100 minutes of VAR stoppages per season, cited as part of the resistance.

Supporter and broadcast concerns behind the pushback

The reporting highlights rising fan frustration with VAR in England. A survey referenced in the source said a large share of supporters oppose VAR in its current form, with critics claiming it kills momentum and emotion by interrupting key moments. Broadcasters and clubs are also said to be wary of extended reviews adding unpredictable extra time and complicating live coverage.

FIFA’s reasoning for wider review at World Cup

FIFA and figures on its refereeing committee have argued that a single missed infringement at a corner or an overlooked second-yellow offence could unfairly alter the outcome of a World Cup match, particularly in knockout stages. That rationale underpins the decision to deploy the expanded VAR remit at the 2026 tournament even if some domestic competitions choose not to follow suit.

The source also referenced voices in FIFA’s technical setup saying set-piece physicality will be monitored closely in 2026, reflecting a preference among tournament organisers to reduce the chance of decisive missed calls in the game’s most consequential moments.

What happens next

The immediate next step is the Premier League AGM scheduled for next month, where clubs are expected to vote on whether to adopt IFAB’s expanded VAR powers for the domestic season. If the reported vote against the measure is confirmed, England’s top flight will retain its current VAR scope while the World Cup operates under broader review rules.

Further confirmation is needed from the Premier League, PGMOL or club statements to make this account definitive. The source material for this story is a secondary report drawing on The Guardian and IFAB announcements; readers should expect official minutes or statements following the AGM to finalise the decision.