What Decisions Can VAR Review in Football Rules and Scope

Under what specific circumstances can the Video Assistant Referee intervene during a match?

The VAR intervenes exclusively when officials identify a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident within the four designated categories of match-altering decisions.

• Goal-scoring build-up: Checking for offside, fouls, or ball-out-of-play situations occurring immediately before the ball crosses the line.
• Penalty area contact: Reviewing whether a foul occurred inside or outside the 18-yard box, or if an attacker was in an offside position.
• Direct dismissal: Assessing violent conduct, spitting, or serious foul play that warrants a red card rather than a lesser yellow.
• Sanction reversal: Correcting the referee when they issue a disciplinary card to the wrong player after a multi-player altercation.

How does the protocol distinguish between factual decisions and subjective interpretations by the referee?

Factual decisions, such as an offside position measured by calibrated lines, require no subjective input from the referee. Conversely, subjective interpretations like determining the intensity of a tackle rely on the referee viewing the footage, as the IFAB protocol mandates human judgment for these nuanced, non-binary scenarios.

What is the official procedure for a referee to conduct an on-field review?

When the VAR identifies a potential error, the on-field referee receives a signal through their earpiece to pause the game. The referee then moves to the pitch-side monitor, which displays the incident from multiple camera angles, including slow-motion and high-frame-rate replays. For instance, if a referee misses a handball in the box, they will watch the replay to determine if the arm was in an unnatural position or if the ball made contact with the shoulder instead.

The referee maintains total control during this process and is not obligated to follow the VAR’s initial suggestion. An important nuance is that the referee does not have to watch the entire clip; they can request specific angles or stop the footage at any point to reach a final verdict. Once the decision is made, the referee signals the change or confirms the original call.

Which categories of goals are subject to mandatory VAR checks?

Every goal scored is subject to a mandatory, automated check to make sure the attacking team did not commit an infringement during the immediate attacking phase.

• Offside positioning: Verifying that the goal-scorer or an involved teammate was not beyond the second-to-last defender at the moment of the pass.
• Handball offenses: Confirming that no player scored directly with their hand or arm, or created a goal-scoring opportunity through an accidental handball.
• Ball out of play: Checking if the ball crossed the touchline or goal line before the final pass or the shot itself.
• Foul play: Investigating any missed infringements by the attacking side that occurred in the immediate sequence leading up to the goal.

How are penalty kick decisions evaluated by the video officiating team?

The VAR team reviews penalty incidents by analyzing camera angles to determine if a foul occurred and if the contact was inside the penalty area. They look for clear evidence of a trip, push, or handball that the referee may have missed. If the VAR suspects a clear error, they communicate with the referee, who then decides whether to award the penalty or stick with the original no-call. This evaluation is rigorous, often involving frame-by-frame analysis to pinpoint the exact moment of contact.

One notable nuance is that the VAR does not review every instance of contact; they only intervene if the contact is deemed a clear and obvious error. For example, if a defender makes minimal contact that does not clearly disrupt the attacker, the VAR will typically defer to the referee’s on-field judgment, as these subjective calls remain at the referee's discretion.

What are the limitations regarding the use of VAR for red card incidents?

VAR only reviews direct red cards, meaning it cannot intervene for second yellow cards that result in a dismissal. This is a strict procedural limitation designed to prevent the system from becoming overly involved in standard match management. A lot of people assume the VAR can step in to correct a referee who gives a player a second yellow card for a soft foul, but the protocol explicitly prohibits this. The system is reserved for the most serious disciplinary breaches, such as violent conduct or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

How does the technology address cases of mistaken identity for disciplinary sanctions?

Yes, the VAR acts as a fail-safe by cross-referencing match footage with the official team sheet to confirm the identity of the player who committed an offense. If a referee incorrectly cautions or sends off the wrong person, the VAR informs them immediately, allowing the official to rescind the card and issue it to the correct player.

What role does the VAR play in monitoring encroachment during set-piece situations?

VAR monitors encroachment during penalty kicks to ensure players do not enter the box before the ball is struck, though it only intervenes if the encroachment directly impacts the outcome.

Use these categories to understand that the system prioritizes the result of the kick over technical infringements that do not influence the final play.