How VAR Works in Football
Learn how VAR works in football: when it can intervene, which situations it can review, and how referee decision reviews are conducted.
What is VAR in football
VAR, which stands for Video Assistant Referee, is a technological support system used to assist the referee in the most important decisions during a match.
VAR does not replace the on-field referee. The final decision always remains with the main referee.
When can VAR intervene
VAR can only intervene in specific situations outlined by the regulations.
The main categories are:
- goals and possible irregularities in the action;
- penalty kicks;
- direct red cards;
- player identity mix-ups.
VAR and goals
When a goal is scored, VAR can check if there were any relevant irregularities in the preceding action.
Incidents that can be verified include:
- offside;
- fouls;
- handballs;
- ball out of play;
- other infractions directly connected to the goal action.
VAR and penalty kicks
VAR can check a decision related to a penalty kick when there is suspicion of a clear and significant error.
It can help the referee verify whether:
- the foul occurred inside or outside the area;
- the contact actually occurred;
- there was a handball;
- the preceding action contained an irregularity.
VAR and direct red cards
VAR can intervene in incidents that could lead to a direct red card.
For example, it can be used to check:
- violent conduct;
- serious foul play;
- actions preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity;
- incidents unseen by the referee.
VAR is not normally used to review a simple second yellow card.
What is player identity mix-up
Player identity mix-up occurs when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player.
In this case, VAR can help correctly identify the involved player.
Difference between VAR and AVAR
VAR is the match official who analyzes the video footage.
AVAR, or Assistant Video Assistant Referee, supports the VAR during incident reviews.
The video team can use various cameras and replays to reconstruct the action.
What is a silent check
Many checks are performed without interrupting the match for long.
This type of review is often called a silent check: VAR analyzes the incident while the game continues or during a normal stoppage.
If no clear error is detected, the on-field decision stands.
What is on-field review
In some situations, VAR can recommend the referee personally review the footage.
The referee then goes to the monitor located near the pitch and watches the replays.
After the review, the referee can:
- confirm the original decision;
- change the decision;
- award or revoke a sanction.
Who makes the final decision
The final decision always belongs to the referee.
VAR provides information and images, but does not replace the match official.
Does VAR review every action?
No. VAR is not used for every foul or referee decision.
Its use is limited to the most important incidents specified by the protocol.
This prevents the continuous interruption and review of every match decision.
How long can a VAR review last
The duration depends on the complexity of the incident.
Some checks can be very quick, while more difficult situations may require more time to analyze images, offside, contacts, or previous sequences.
VAR and offside
Offside is one of the incidents most frequently associated with VAR use.
When a goal is scored, the system can check the attackers' positions at the moment the ball is played by a teammate.
In some competitions, semi-automated offside technologies are also used to speed up analysis.
Does VAR eliminate referee errors?
No. Technology can reduce some important mistakes, but many football situations still require interpretation.
Contacts, handballs, and the intensity of challenges may require a refereeing assessment even after viewing the images.
Why are some VAR decisions contested
Images allow a better observation of an incident, but do not completely eliminate interpretative elements.
Two apparently similar situations can have different details that influence the final decision.
How to follow incidents on Football17
On Football17 you can follow live scores, goals, cards, events, statistics, line-ups, and other updates available during matches.
The match pages allow quick consultation of key events and match progress.
Frequently asked questions about VAR
What does VAR mean?
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee.
Can VAR change the referee's decision?
It can signal a possible error and provide images, but the final decision remains with the referee.
Can VAR intervene on any foul?
No. Its use is limited to specific important incident categories.
Can VAR check an offside?
Yes, especially when the offside is related to a goal or another relevant incident as per the protocol.
What is On-Field Review?
It is the review carried out by the referee directly at the sideline monitor.
Are VAR and AVAR the same?
No. VAR is the lead video official, while AVAR assists during analysis.