Even more VAR?! FIFA considering handing out 'greater responsibilities' to video referees including free-kicks, corners and second yellow cards

A group set up by FIFA has been looking into the possibility of extending VAR's reach, The Times reports, and the prospect of giving officials more responsibility will be on the agenda when the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meets this week. However, a decision will not be made before the board meets again on March.

Football Association chief executive and IFAB member Mark Bullingham discussed the possible changes last month, saying: "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."

Currently, free kicks, corners and second yellow cards are all decided by on-field officials and VAR cannot intervene. There are fears that expanding VAR's reach would result in more delays. The system has been a controversial presence in the Premier League this season, with the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), the board in charge of referees in English football, having to apologise for errors made on several occasions this season.

IFAB will hold a business meeting on Tuesday to discuss matters related to football and the development of VAR will be on the agenda. Also to be discussed is a proposal that deliberate handballs be punished by a straight red card.