By Martin Graham
The Premier League may see an expanded role for the video assistant referee (VAR) in the future, potentially including reviews of yellow card incidents and the awarding of corners.
Howard Webb, head of refereeing in England, said that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is considering changes to VAR’s remit. Currently, VAR is limited to decisions that can significantly affect a match – such as goals, straight red cards, penalties, and cases of mistaken identity.
“There will definitely be conversations about possible additions,” Webb told. “Some feel VAR should be used more widely, while others prefer it to stay as it is. We’ve tried to match the English game’s preference for ‘less is more’, but if opinions change, we will look at that carefully.”
Webb noted that incorrect yellow cards, as well as missed ones, could influence matches. Wrongly awarded corners could also have an impact, but he stressed the need to weigh these considerations against VAR’s current focus on major, clear-cut errors.
New rules for the upcoming season
The 2025-26 Premier League season begins on Friday, bringing with it several rule changes. Referees will now explain VAR decisions to the crowd, only team captains will be permitted to speak to officials on big calls, and a goalkeeper who holds the ball for more than eight seconds will concede a corner to the opposition.
Webb described the new time limit on goalkeepers as a “radical” change aimed at speeding up play, similar to time limits in sports like tennis. The focus, he said, is on prevention rather than punishment.
Concerns over abuse of referees
Webb said abuse towards referees is at its worst level yet, both in professional football and at the grassroots. He cited incidents involving top officials last season, including online death threats to Michael Oliver and confrontations faced by Anthony Taylor and his family.
Social media, Webb said, gives people a bigger platform to share views, but some cross the line into unacceptable behavior, including threats to officials and their relatives. He confirmed that referees and their families receive mental health and well-being support.
The use of VAR, Webb added, has increased scrutiny of decisions and can lead to false perceptions of bias. While video review allows for more camera angles and more time to assess incidents, many decisions still remain open to interpretation.
Future of David Coote in doubt
Webb acknowledged that it would be “tough” for David Coote to return to officiating at the highest level after being dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited in December 2024 for misconduct.
The dismissal followed a video in which Coote made disparaging comments about Liverpool and former manager Jürgen Klopp. The FA later imposed an eight-week ban and ordered in-person education.
Coote was also barred by UEFA over a separate incident involving a video that appeared to show him sniffing a white powder during Euro 2024. Webb said these were poor personal choices by one individual and did not reflect the wider refereeing community.
