FIFA set talks to ramp up VAR powers as officials could be handed corner and free-kick safety net

FIFA have tabled talks on plans to increase the power of VAR - potentially adding decisions such as corners, free-kicks and yellow cards in to the mix.

It comes in a Scottish Premiership sense after another weekend of drama involving referees and VAR officials. It was a busy old afternoon for Steven McLean as Celtic drew 1-1 with Motherwell with two penalties awarded, while Rangers and Aberdeen played out an enthralling draw at Pittodrie that saw a last-gasp spot-kick awarded to the Light Blues after Nick Walsh was sent to the monitor to review the incident. And while SFA president Mike Mulraney recently said referees were doing an "amazing job" with VAR, many fans and pundits alike have previously called for the technology to be binned.

But football's biggest lawmakers FIFA, according to the Times, are planning to discuss the potential to extend the reach of the VAR room powers beyond penalty box incidents, offsides and red cards. A working group has been established to see if VAR officials should have greater responsibility, but it comes amid fears of more lengthy delays to games.

IFAB are set to meet this week with VAR on the agenda, and the potential to extend powers reportedly to be discussed. The report states no formal decision would be made until at least March next year.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said on potential changes last month: “I know that is something we will discuss in the Ifab. We would be really reluctant to have a game that was stopped a lot more than it currently is but that will be a proper discussion.”

FIFA is in charge of VAR protocols but any changes must be signed off by Ifab. It is made up of the four British FAs, including the SFA, which all get one vote each for potential changes.