SRSport Rules
Football - VAR Protocol

VAR checks, without the noise.

VAR does not re-referee every decision. It is limited to match-changing incidents, and it is mainly looking for a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident.

Quick ruling: first ask whether the incident is in one of VAR's reviewable categories. If it is not, the on-field decision stays even if the replay would start a debate.
Decision path

How the check is made

  1. Identify whether the incident relates to a goal, penalty, direct red card, or mistaken identity.
  2. Check the attacking phase before a goal or penalty if the possible offence could change the outcome.
  3. Ask whether the on-field decision is clearly and obviously wrong, or whether a serious incident was missed.
  4. If the decision is factual, such as offside position or ball out of play, VAR can advise directly.
  5. If judgment is needed, the referee can use an on-field review before making the final decision.
What changes it

Details fans miss most

  • VAR has categories: it cannot intervene for every free kick, corner, throw-in, or second yellow-card decision.
  • Clear and obvious matters: a debatable call can stay with the referee if it is not clearly wrong.
  • The referee still decides: VAR recommends a review, but the referee makes the final call on judgment decisions.
  • Checks are not always reviews: many incidents are checked silently and only become visible if VAR finds a possible error.
Common argument

"Why did VAR not get involved?"

Usually the answer is category or threshold. If the incident is outside VAR's allowed categories, or if the replay does not show a clear error, VAR is expected to leave the on-field decision alone.