The New VAR Protocol in Serie A
Italian football is set for a radical refereeing transformation from the 2026/27 season after the Serie A league assembly approved a proposal to extend the Video Assistant Referee’s remit. According to a report from Football Italia, VAR will now be empowered to review corner kick decisions and second yellow card incidents—a significant departure from the current global protocol which restricts its use to goals, penalties, straight red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.
The decision, ratified by the Italian Referees Association (AIA) and the FIGC, makes Serie A the first major European league to adopt such a wide-ranging VAR expansion. Match officials will be able to intervene in real time if they suspect an error has been made in awarding a corner or a goal kick, or when a player erroneously receives a second yellow card leading to a dismissal. The system will only trigger for “clear and obvious” mistakes, in line with existing VAR philosophy, but the threshold is expected to be applied more clinically to avoid disrupting the flow of the game.
Why Corners and Second Yellows?
The move addresses two of the most contentious areas in modern football. Corner kick decisions are often high-stakes events: a wrongly awarded corner can lead to a goal, yet under current rules VAR cannot intervene before the restart. Similarly, a second yellow card red card drastically alters a match, and while straight reds are reviewable, accumulated cautions have remained unchecked—until now. The change empowers the VAR to inform the on-field referee if a second yellow was shown for an incident that did not warrant a booking, or if a clear and obvious error occurred in awarding a corner that directly leads to a scoring opportunity.
Top-flight referees will undergo dedicated training throughout the summer to ensure the extended protocol integrates smoothly. The AIA has also pledged to maintain a “minimum interference” approach, promising that checks will be limited to decisive moments and must not derail the match’s rhythm.
Historical Context and Potential Global Impact
Since its introduction in Italian football in 2017, VAR has been at the centre of constant debate. While it has reduced goal-line controversies and egregious offside errors, critics argue it has eroded spontaneity and created lengthy delays. By widening its scope, Serie A is effectively running a live experiment that could influence IFAB’s future laws of the game. The international board has previously resisted calls to review second yellows and corners, citing concerns over unbearable stoppages, but the Italian federation’s proactive stance may provide valuable data.
If successful, this model could be adopted by other leagues, including the Premier League and La Liga, where officials have privately lobbied for similar powers. However, sceptics fear that every corner decision may now be scrutinised, slowing an already stop-start sport. “It’s a delicate balance between fairness and entertainment,” a FIFA refereeing source told Football Italia. “But Italy’s courage to trial this deserves respect.”
Key Takeaways
- VAR to review corners: From 2026/27, the video assistant will check whether a corner or goal kick was incorrectly awarded if a clear and obvious error is spotted.
- Second yellow cards under the microscope: Red cards resulting from two cautions can now be reviewed and overturned if the second yellow was unwarranted.
- Italian first: Serie A becomes the first major league to implement such widespread VAR expansion, potentially setting a precedent for global rule changes.
- Speed concerns addressed: The AIA promises checks will be rapid and limited to game-changing moments, aiming to preserve the flow of the match.
Quick Facts
Season: 2026/27
League: Serie A
Governing body: FIGC / AIA
New reviews: Corners, second yellow cards
Current VAR scope: Goals, penalties, straight red cards, mistaken identity