Serie A Refereeing Overhaul: VAR to Review Corners and Second Yellows from 2026/27

FolioPitch.com – 09 July 2026 | Serie A is set for a landmark transformation in officiating as the league adopts a major VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up. The changes, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and set to take effect from the 2026/27 season, will allow video assistant referees to correct wrongly awarded corners and review second yellow cards shown to players. This comprehensive VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up aims to reduce controversial decisions and align Italian football with modern standards.

The corner review protocol is optional for national federations, and Serie A has opted in, while Serie B and Serie C are still evaluating due to limited camera coverage. Under the new rule, referees can overturn an incorrect corner decision provided the game has not restarted or been disrupted. This measure is expected to eliminate frequent errors that previously went uncorrected, enhancing fairness in matches. The VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up reflects a growing demand for precision in officiating.

A more significant compulsory change is the VAR review of second yellow cards. Unlike corners, this directive from IFAB is mandatory for all competitions. VAR will be able to check whether a second yellow card was shown correctly, but it will not review missed second yellows. This follows high-profile incidents, notably the Kalulu-Bastoni controversy last season, where a dismissal would have been overturned if the system had been in place. The VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up addresses a long-standing loophole that frustrated clubs and fans.

Additional modifications to refereeing protocols include a more lenient stance on disputes and protests. Covering the mouth during arguments with opponents will no longer result in an automatic red card; a yellow card will suffice. Similarly, players who briefly leave the pitch in protest will face less severe punishment. These adjustments aim to reduce unnecessary suspensions and keep the game flowing, while still punishing unsporting behavior. The overall package, centered on the VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up, signals a commitment to transparency and consistency.

Italian officiating is also moving toward a UEFA-style approach in other areas, with referees encouraged to use common sense in marginal situations. The changes are expected to be implemented smoothly, though the availability of cameras in lower divisions remains a hurdle. As Serie A embraces this evolution, the league hopes to minimize controversial calls that have marred recent seasons. The VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up represents a forward-thinking step that could set a precedent for other leagues worldwide.

In conclusion, this overhaul marks a new era for Italian football officiating. By empowering VAR to intervene in corner kicks and second yellow cards, Serie A is addressing pain points that have long frustrated teams and spectators. The introduction of these measures, combined with more lenient rules for dissent, promises a fairer and more enjoyable game. With the 2026/27 season on the horizon, the VAR to review corners and second yellows in Serie A refereeing shake-up is poised to reshape how matches are managed, ensuring decisions are both accurate and timely.