The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?
Mar 5, 2026
Mark Carey, tactics and data specialist who reads laws through the lens of match impact. Michael Cox, revered tactics writer with deep historical context. They debate VAR's expanded remit, mistaken-identity fixes and corner reviews. They wrestle with throw-in countdowns, substitution/treatment timing and experiments like Wenger's daylight offside. Practical law tweaks versus preserving creative tactics.
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Limit VAR To Quick Clear Corrections
- Use VAR for quick, clear reversals like mistaken identity and obviously wrong second-yellow red cards.
- Panel argues these are low-friction fixes that materially change match balance without long VAR delays.
Challenges Shift Power To Coaches
- Coach's challenge systems shift authority off the pitch and risk tilting power toward managers.
- Michael Cox worries challenges give coaches too much influence and suggests if any challenge exists it should be the captain's prerogative.
Countdowns Add Enforcement But Increase Subjectivity
- Visual countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks aim to curb deliberate delays but introduce subjectivity because countdowns start only when the referee deems time-wasting.
- Mark Carey notes top teams used throw-ins as deliberate tactical weapons, complicating enforcement.