'The cancer that kills football' - FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina condemns referee abuse at crunch IFAB meeting with extension of VAR powers on the agenda

According to Standard, the IFAB is deliberating on extending VAR coverage to include corners, free-kicks, and second yellow cards. FIFA's VAR working group is studying if video assistant referees could potentially be powered with more responsibilities to enhance decision accuracy. Although the developments were on the agenda during the IFAB meeting in London on Tuesday it is understood that any decision on the changes will not be made until the annual general meeting in March.

Discussions also covered the potential extension of sin-bins from the grassroots to professional football. The introduction of sin bins for dissent in professional competitions is seen as a measure to tackle rising concerns about referee abuse and assaults. The body is also contemplating adopting a captain-only approach to referees, limiting player interaction with the on-field official. FIFA refereeing chief, Pierluigi Collina, is concerned with the rise in referee abuse and believes that "this might be the cancer that kills football."

Updating existing handball laws was also on the agenda of the meeting. It is being considered to punish unintentional handball, which has denied a goal-scoring opportunity, with a yellow card instead of a red.

Additionally, 12 EFL players have expressed interest in becoming VARs to PGMOL, reflecting a broader initiative to involve ex-players as match officials. This is in line with PGMOL Chief Howard Webb's efforts to involve ex-players in officiating. The report mentions that Webb is also taking a close look at the Elite Development Referee Plan in an effort to expedite the process of becoming a top-level referee. Success stories like Rebecca Welch breaking barriers in Championship refereeing highlight positive strides made by the development group.

The discussions reflect a broader effort to address challenges in football officiating. Whereas, initiatives like sin-bins and law updates aim to create a more respectful and efficient refereeing environment. The potential integration of semi-automated offside technology in the Premier League next season is also on the cards.