Russian Football Union Expands VAR Powers for 2026

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The Russian Football Union (RFS) has officially announced an enhancement of the video assistant referee (VAR) powers, set to take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 season. According to the RFS official website, these changes will become effective on July 1, 2026, but are already being implemented in matches during the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The new VAR protocols allow the referee to receive assistance in specific situations: when a player is mistakenly shown a second yellow card, when a yellow or red card is given to the wrong player, and if a corner kick is erroneously awarded and the decision can be immediately corrected without game delay, as determined by the competition organizer. Additionally, the protocols require players to leave the field for one minute if play is stopped for a suspected injury or medical assistance. Furthermore, referees, assistants, and fourth officials may now be equipped with body cameras.