VAR in Football Explained: When the Video Assistant Referee Can Step In
The video assistant referee (VAR) is a match official who watches replays and advises the referee. VAR does not referee the match: the referee on the pitch always makes the final decision. This guide explains exactly when VAR can get involved and how a review works.
When VAR became part of the Laws
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which writes the Laws of the Game, approved VAR in March 2018 after two years of trials. It was used at a men's World Cup for the first time later that year in Russia. Competitions choose whether to use it, and they must follow the IFAB VAR protocol when they do.
The four situations VAR can review
- Goals: whether there was an offence in the build-up, such as offside, a foul or a handball, or whether the ball went out of play.
- Penalty decisions: a penalty given that should not have been, or one missed.
- Direct red cards: a straight red given or missed. A second yellow card is not reviewable.
- Mistaken identity: when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player.
Nothing else can be reviewed. A missed corner, a throw-in going the wrong way or a debatable yellow card stands, however clear the replay looks.
“Clear and obvious error”
VAR only recommends a change for a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident. The question is not “would we have given it?” but “was the referee clearly wrong?” This is why a close penalty decision often stays as the referee gave it.
Factual decisions are different. Whether a player was offside, or whether the ball crossed the line, is checked precisely, so even a very tight offside can be overturned.
How a review works
- The VAR checks every goal, penalty and red-card incident in the background, often without the crowd noticing.
- For a factual matter such as offside, the VAR can tell the referee the answer directly.
- For a judgement call, the VAR recommends an on-field review. The referee goes to the pitchside monitor, watches the replays and makes the decision.
- The referee shows the decision with the “TV screen” signal, drawing a rectangle in the air.
Players who make the TV screen gesture to demand a review, or who enter the referee review area, can be shown a yellow card.
Semi-automated offside
At the 2022 World Cup, FIFA introduced semi-automated offside technology. Cameras track the ball and players' body points, and a sensor in the ball marks the exact moment it is played. The VAR still confirms the result before the referee is told, but the check takes far less time.
Related reading
Offside is the most common VAR check, so read our offside rule explained or test yourself with the offside quiz. For every law, see the guide to the Laws of the Game.