What Is the Attacking Phase of Play in a VAR Review

How is the start of an attacking phase defined within the current IFAB Laws of the Game?

The Laws of the Game do not provide a rigid definition for the start of an attacking phase, leaving it to the subjective judgment of the VAR. Generally, the phase begins when the attacking team gains possession or regains it from the opponent, initiating a move toward the goal.

What specific criteria determine when an attacking phase concludes during a VAR intervention?

The conclusion of an attacking phase occurs when the defensive team gains sufficient control to transition from a pressured state to a controlled, independent movement.

• Defensive clearance: A deliberate, uncontested kick or header by a defender that travels away from the immediate danger zone signals a break in the chain.
• Possession control: When a defender successfully dribbles or passes the ball to a teammate without immediate pressure, the previous sequence is considered finished.
• Ball out-of-play: The moment the ball crosses the touchline or goal line, the specific attacking phase is terminated for any subsequent VAR review.
• Referee whistle: Any stoppage for a separate foul or dead-ball situation resets the scope entirely.

How do referees distinguish between a new phase of play and a continuous attacking sequence?

Referees evaluate the continuity of an attack by assessing whether the offensive team maintains momentum and intent toward the goal. A sequence is considered continuous if the ball remains in the attacking half and the defensive team is reacting to the pressure rather than dictating the flow. For example, if a striker loses the ball but recovers it within two seconds through an immediate press, the VAR treats this as one unbroken attacking phase.

The nuance arises when a defender makes a challenge that is not a clear attempt to play the ball. If a defender merely deflects a pass without establishing possession, the referee may rule that the attacking phase never ended. This distinction prevents teams from using accidental deflections to "reset" the clock and hide earlier fouls that occurred during the buildup.

What role does the recovery of possession by the defending team play in ending an attacking phase?

Yes, the recovery of possession by the defending team effectively ends the attacking phase. Officials look for a clear change in control, typically requiring a player to demonstrate composure or execute a purposeful pass, which resets the review window for any subsequent events in the match.

How does the VAR protocol handle defensive errors that occur during an ongoing attacking phase?

Defensive errors are reviewed as part of the ongoing phase unless the defender has clearly established control of the ball before the mistake occurs.

• Defensive miskick: If a defender attempts to clear the ball but fails, the attacking phase continues because the defender never gained full control.
• Goalie fumble: A goalkeeper dropping the ball under pressure is part of the active attacking phase, allowing VAR to review any preceding fouls.
• Mistimed tackle: A defender lunging and missing the ball does not end the phase, as no change in possession has actually taken place.
• Deflected pass: A ball bouncing off a defender’s shin remains in the same phase, as the touch was unintentional and lacked control.

To what extent does a change in control of the ball reset the attacking phase for review purposes?

A change in control serves as the primary mechanism for ending a reviewable sequence, as it signals that the defending team has successfully transitioned from a reactive to an active state. When a defender gains clear possession, they are no longer under the immediate threat of the previous attacking move. For example, if a midfielder intercepts a pass and takes three touches to look up and find a teammate, the VAR will deem the previous attacking phase concluded.

The exception occurs when a defender gains possession under extreme duress, such as being tackled immediately after receiving a pass. In these cases, the referee may judge that the "control" was insufficient to reset the phase. This prevents attackers from benefiting from a foul that occurred just before a defender managed a panicked, forced clearance that didn't truly end the attacking threat.

How is the 'attacking phase' interpreted differently for penalty area incidents versus goal-scoring opportunities?

The interpretation of an attacking phase is essentially the same for both scenarios, though penalty area reviews often require a tighter focus on the specific moment of contact compared to the broader buildup of a goal.

Use these ranges to estimate the depth of the review, noting that goal-scoring moves often involve longer buildup sequences than isolated penalty box challenges.

What are the limitations on how far back in time a VAR can review an attacking phase for a potential infringement?

VAR can only review the immediate possession chain that leads to a goal, penalty, or red card. There is no hard time limit in seconds, but the review must stop once the defending team has clearly established control or the ball has left the field. A lot of people assume that the VAR can go back and check for a foul that happened at the other end of the pitch if the attacking team eventually scores, but the protocol strictly forbids this if the defending team had a clear opportunity to reset their defensive shape.