The PGMOL are set to appoint a new ‘head of performance psychology’ to improve the mental side of refereeing, while football’s lawmakers prepare further changes to the use of VAR.
According to the Daily Mail, the refereeing body is creating the new post to help officials better handle pressure during matches and in an attempt to improve their consistency.
The move forms part of a wider overhaul under Steve McNally, the PGMOL’s performance support director, who joined in 2023 after 16 years at Manchester United as their club doctor.
Inside Sport reports that an appointment is close, with the incoming specialist expected to deliver mental preparation programmes aimed at helping referees “shut out the noise from the crowd and players and enable them to make calm and correct decisions.”
Meanwhile, IFAB are preparing to discuss expanding VAR’s powers at their annual meeting in January.
The proposals would allow reviews to include potential second yellow cards, adding to the existing remit of goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity.