The scope of the video assistant referee in the Premier League might be expanded in the future to include decisions on yellow cards and the awarding of corners, says Howard Webb.
Referees’ chief Webb says the game’s law-makers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), is reviewing how VAR operates and he is “open to discussions” about other uses.
VAR, which has operated in the Premier League since the 2019-20 season, can currently only intervene in what are perceived as match-changing decisions – goals, straight red cards, penalties and mistaken identity.
“There will definitely be discussions around possible extensions,” Webb told BBC Sport.
“Some believe we should use VAR more extensively for certain situations, but there are others who feel that shouldn’t happen.
“We try to align VAR delivery with the expectations of those involved in the English game, based on consultation with fans, coaches and players. The message we get is ‘less is more’ with VAR, and we’ve done pretty well in aligning our delivery with that expectation.
“VAR has been in place for seven years and has pretty much stayed the same. If the game, or the people involved, tell us that greater use would be better for the game, then of course I’d be open – but we need to think carefully about the consequences, the ripple effects.
“If you are talking about yellow cards that are delivered incorrectly, which could be impactful on the game, then you also have to think about wrongly not-issued yellow cards.
“I understand the impact of a wrongly awarded corner that’s clearly wrong – easy to see on video – and the impact of a wrongly issued yellow card. But equally there’s also a feeling that VAR already exists to rectify clear errors in big situations, so we’ll have those discussions and make sure to consult with the English game as well.”