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Ex-FIFA ref: Clubs must be ‘aggressive’ as Rangers approach Scottish FA for needed change

Keith Hackett has welcomed Rangers pushing for changes to VAR in Scottish football. It's been a positive rebuild for Derek McInnes and the Bears, who have recen

Published: Saturday, 26 September 2026 at 3:10 PM
Ex-FIFA ref: Clubs must be ‘aggressive’ as Rangers approach Scottish FA for needed change
Key Things to Know
  • Rangers proposed changes to the Scottish FA regarding how VAR announcements are communicated to stadium supporters.
  • Rangers COO Greig Mailer confirmed the club requested public announcements whenever officials encounter communication issues.
  • Former referee Keith Hackett backed the initiative and urged clubs to seek transparent, rugby-style VAR communications.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has supported Rangers' formal approach to the Scottish FA requesting revisions to current VAR protocols. Minutes from an Ibrox Fan Advisory Board meeting revealed that Rangers Chief Operating Officer Greig Mailer confirmed proposals for stadium announcements during VAR reviews, including public notices when communication issues occur.

Hackett argued that clubs must aggressively pursue change and urged Scottish football to adopt a transparent model similar to Rugby Union. Under his suggested system, supporters inside the stadium would be allowed to view review replays and hear real-time audio communications between referees and video assistants.

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