Why Is VAR Staying Out of Corner Decisions?

Sean Dyche's early tenure as Nottingham Forest manager has been marred by frustrations over refereeing decisions, particularly those involving VAR (Video Assistant Referee). In a recent match against Manchester United, his side conceded a goal from a corner that many believed should not have been awarded, highlighting ongoing debates about the efficiency and scope of VAR in football.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Sean Dyche grapples with his new role at Nottingham Forest, he has expressed exasperation regarding the use of VAR, particularly after his team conceded a goal from a corner that many thought was incorrectly awarded. This incident marks the second consecutive week that Forest has faced a similar situation, leading to heightened scrutiny over VAR protocols. Dyche's calls for VAR to include corner decisions have sparked a wider conversation about the system's role in ensuring fair play, particularly in crucial moments that affect match outcomes.

Key takeaways

• Sean Dyche has voiced concerns over the application of VAR, particularly regarding corner decisions.
• The International Football Association Board (Ifab) recently discussed expanding VAR's scope to include corner decisions.
• There are significant debates about the potential for delays and complications if VAR were to review every corner.

Timeline: how we got here

Several key events led to the current discussions around VAR and corner decisions:

• August 2023: Initial discussions on VAR's effectiveness are prompted by various contentious decisions in the Premier League.
• October 2023: Sean Dyche highlights the issue after a goal conceded from a corner awarded under dubious circumstances.
• October 2023: Ifab technical panels meet and discuss the potential inclusion of corner decisions in VAR's remit.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Dyche's recent complaints have brought renewed attention to the VAR system and its perceived shortcomings, particularly in instances where the awarding of corners leads directly to goals. The Ifab's technical panels have recently considered the implications of allowing VAR to adjudicate corner decisions, although no formal changes have been adopted yet.

What was already established

It has been a long-standing concern in football that VAR's current remit excludes certain key decisions, such as those relating to corner kicks. While there have been discussions about enhancing VAR's scope, the consensus remains divided on how best to implement such changes without causing further delays in the game.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and households, ongoing debates about VAR can affect the overall enjoyment of matches, especially when contentious decisions lead to frustration. The perception of fairness in the game is crucial for maintaining support and engagement among fans.

Businesses and jobs

For football businesses, including clubs and broadcasters, ongoing controversies around VAR can impact viewership and attendance figures. Clubs are under pressure to ensure that on-field performance is not undermined by officiating errors, which can have financial repercussions.

Policy and regulation

Future regulatory decisions regarding VAR will likely stem from these discussions. The Ifab's recommendations and decisions will heavily influence how VAR evolves, particularly concerning corner decisions and overall game management.

Numbers that matter

• 2: Consecutive matches in which Nottingham Forest conceded goals from corners that some argue should not have been awarded.
• 10: The average number of corners per match in the Premier League, highlighting the potential increase in VAR reviews if changes are implemented.
• 3-2: The split decision by the Key Match Incidents Panel on whether a VAR review should have been carried out for a Bournemouth player this season.

Definitions and jargon buster

• VAR: Video Assistant Referee, a system used to assist referees in making decisions by reviewing footage of the match.
• Ifab: The International Football Association Board, responsible for overseeing the laws of the game.
• Key Match Incidents (KMI): Significant events in a match that can affect the outcome and are subject to review by VAR.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Watch for ongoing discussions from Ifab and the Premier League regarding VAR’s role, especially as Dyche's comments may influence future meetings and decisions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Clubs and fans should prepare for possible changes to VAR protocols, which may be discussed in upcoming football governance meetings and could affect how games are officiated in the future.

Signals to watch

• Updates from Ifab regarding any formal changes to VAR protocols.
• Public and media responses to any new rules implemented in relation to corner decisions.
• Changes in officiating practices during the remainder of the Premier League season.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the ongoing discussions regarding VAR and its impact on football.
• Engage with your local football clubs and community about your views on officiating and VAR.

Don’t

• Assume that current VAR protocols will remain unchanged; be prepared for potential adjustments in the near future.
• Dismiss the frustrations of managers and players regarding officiating decisions, as they can significantly affect match outcomes.

Checklist

• Review recent match highlights to identify controversial VAR decisions.
• Follow Ifab's announcements regarding any discussions on VAR changes.
• Consider the implications of VAR on your team’s performance and overall match experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While discussions around the expansion of VAR to include corner decisions are ongoing, there are risks associated with this change. Increased reviews could lead to longer stoppages in play, which may frustrate fans and players alike. Furthermore, the implementation of new protocols requires thorough consideration to avoid unintended consequences, such as over-regulating the game.

Bottom line

Sean Dyche’s frustrations reflect a broader concern within football regarding the effectiveness of VAR, particularly in critical match situations. As conversations continue around the potential adjustments to VAR protocols, stakeholders must weigh the benefits of accuracy against the need for game flow and maintaining the spirit of football.

FAQs

What is VAR and how does it work?

VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, is a technology used to assist referees in making correct decisions by reviewing video footage of key match incidents.

Why are corner decisions not currently reviewed by VAR?

Currently, VAR does not review corner decisions due to concerns about the potential for increased stoppages and the complexity of verifying such decisions during live play.

What changes are being discussed regarding VAR in football?

Discussions include the possibility of allowing VAR to review corner decisions, although this is controversial and has not yet been implemented.