VAR Discretion at the World Cup and MLB's Two-Challenge Limit Are Reshaping Officiating

0 views

Skip to first unread message

Officials Hub

unread,

Jun 22, 2026, 11:30:32 AM (2 days ago) Jun 22

to erial-lit...@googlegroups.com

June 22, 2026 | Read online

VAR Discretion at the World Cup and MLB's Two-Challenge Limit Are Reshaping Officiating

PLUS: Research Study Looking for Soccer Referees

This week covers three officiating stories from the World Cup and beyond. Two group-stage decisions that drew formal complaints, a hot-mic MLB ejection involving the automated strike-zone challenge system, and an expanded VAR protocol that has restarted the argument over how much review the game should allow.

Let’s dive in.

WORLD CUP
⚽ Two Group-Stage Calls Draw Formal Complaints

Felix Zwayer issued seven cautions in his first World Cup match as a center official, the USA's 2-0 win over Australia on June 19 in Seattle. After the match, Australia's players and staff said his standard was tighter on the visitors than on the home side. The complaints focused less on any single decision than on whether he held the same threshold across all 90 minutes.

In a separate match, Szymon Marciniak did not card Lionel Messi for a studs-up challenge during Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. Several analysts said the contact warranted a red card, and Algeria submitted a complaint to FIFA. The dispute centered on the "clear and obvious" standard for VAR intervention, and on the fact that two qualified officials reviewed the same contact and reached different conclusions.

Zwayer was criticized for calling the match too tightly and Marciniak for calling his too loosely. Neither decision was overturned. Both cases reflect the ongoing tension between on-field discretion and the consistent standard officials are expected to apply.

Read the full story on Fox Sports

MLB
⚾ Hot-Mic Ejection Involves the ABS Challenge System

A dugout dispute in Sacramento ended with an ejection over balls and strikes, with the exchange caught on a hot mic. The argument came under the automated ball-strike challenge system, which gives each team two challenges per game.

That structure has changed the way plate umpires and benches manage disputed calls. Once those challenges are gone, a team has no further recourse, which puts more pressure on when and how they are used. In this case, the flashpoint was not just a single pitch, but the broader tension created by a system that limits how often a team can formally contest the zone.

Read the full story on FOX

FIFA
⚽ Expanded VAR Protocol Sparks Debate

IFAB has expanded VAR's authority for this World Cup, including the power to intervene on fouls in the buildup to corners and set pieces. The change gives video officials more reach than at any previous tournament and has revived the debate over how much review the game should permit.

Supporters say the wider authority will catch more errors that affect results. Critics say it will produce more stoppages, longer interruptions, and a different match rhythm, with play halting during checks and restarting after delays.

Read the full story on IBTimes

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
📋 Soccer Referees Wanted for Study

Brian Gonzalez, a doctoral student at West Virginia University, is recruiting active soccer referees for a research project on how compassion, both self-compassion and compassion from others, and perfectionism affect referee mental well-being. The study aims to better understand the pressures officials face and to inform future support and interventions.

Referees qualify if they are 18 or older and currently officiating soccer at any level, including youth, amateur, adult, college, semi-professional, or professional. The survey is anonymous and takes about 15 minutes. A summary of the findings is expected in late summer or early fall.

To participate, visit the survey link. Questions can be directed to Brian at bg0...@mix.wvu.edu.

Weekly Wrap-Up

Thanks for reading, and as always, we appreciate you being part of our officiating community!

🛠️ Resources of the Week:

Claim your OfficialsHub account - Our first-of-its-kind database of over 6,000 official assignors across the U.S. is live. Claim your profile or create one today to start connecting with referees.
Referee Management for 2026 - Simplify assignments, communication, and scheduling with Refr. Start your free trial today or book a demo!
Honig’s Partner Discount - Save 15% on referee gear with code REFR15.