INSIDE SPORT: VAR set to play an even BIGGER role in football - as refs' body hires psychology expert

Brace yourselves – VAR could play and even BIGGER role in matches in the future.

According to insiders, lawmakers IFAB are set to discuss extending the remit of the controversial review system when they sit down for their annual business meeting in January. 

Inside Sport understands that, on top of the current referral system which includes potential penalties, red cards, goals and mistaken identities, second yellow cards could be added to the list.

This summer, refs' boss Howard Webb warned that VAR's scope could be extended, potentially around yellow cards and corners.

However, the prospect of a missed second yellow is thought to be the most likely addition, at this stage.

Webb said any additions should be for the benefit of the game but warned that those involved would need to 'think carefully about the consequences, the ripple effects'.

PGMOL's new appointment 

Refs' body PGMOL are hiring a 'head of performance psychology' in an effort to improve on-field decision making.

The successful candidate will 'develop a world-leading performance psychology strategy to support officiating across all levels of PGMO serving Men's and Women's competitions', according to the company which oversees officiating in England.

They will work closely with Select Group 1 refs, who operate predominantly in the Premier League and international competitions, and their role will be targeted at providing a 'best in class performance optimisation environment'.

The new arrival will focus on delivering pre and matchday mental skills preparation in an attempt to allow officials to shut out the noise from the crowd and players to enable themselves to make calm and correct decisions.

Inside Sport understands that an appointment is close, with the new arrival soon to report to performance support director Steve McNally, who joined after serving Manchester United for 16 years as club doctor, in 2023.

 3UP campaign gathers pace

The 3UP campaign – to end the madness of only two clubs being promoted to the EFL from the National League – continues to gather pace.

Inside Sport understands that a number of clubs in the Championship and League One see the move as a way of ending the anomaly that sees four promotions between Leagues One and Two, which dates back to the days of the Third Division North and South. 

The matter was discussed days ago at a meeting of League One and Two clubs. 

EFL bosses say they will consider changes but only as part of a broader package of reforms over financial rules and redistribution which benefit all levels of the game.

Indonesia's Olympic dream takes huge hit 

Indonesia's long-stated ambition to host the 2036 Olympics took a severe knock recently when that country refused entry visas for an Israeli team for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

That move brought a strong and swift response from the IOC, which insiders believe signals the end of the bid for the world's most populous Muslim nation.

The development further increases the chances of Qatar or Istanbul to host the 2036 Games - and in doing so become the first ever Muslim nation to host the Olympics.

Commonwealth confirmation opens old wounds 

News that India is to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 is meant to be a welcome boost for the country's bid for the 2036 Olympics. 

However, it has instead re-opened old wounds among a number of British suppliers that say they are still owed millions in outstanding debts from the last time India hosted the Commonwealth, the disastrous Delhi 2010 Games.

Team GB optimism for LA 

Team GB may be confident of another medal at the LA Games in the newly-arrived sport of flag football. 

While the Americans will no doubt be red-hot favourites for Californian gold in the 'touch' version of American Football, Britain's women's team recently became back-to-back champions at the European Championships thanks to a dramatic overtime win against Austria.