Uefa reasserts VAR limited to clear, obvious errors

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

UEFA has reaffirmed that VAR technology should be used exclusively to correct clear and obvious errors in matches, limiting its role to supporting on-field referees rather than overruling their decisions. This stance, agreed upon by all 55 member associations and Ifab representatives, emphasizes maintaining game flow and clarity while rejecting expanded VAR applications seen in recent tournaments.

European football authorities have reaffirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology should be limited to correcting only "clear and obvious errors" during matches. This stance was confirmed at a recent gathering convened by UEFA, which brought together referee chiefs from all 55 member associations alongside representatives from the International Football Association Board (Ifab), the body responsible for establishing the Laws of the Game.

The meeting, held to discuss refereeing protocols and the use of technology, produced unanimous support for new measures aimed at enhancing the flow and clarity of the game. Among these, officials agreed on implementing time limits for substitutions and introducing five-second countdowns for goal kicks and throw-ins. Nevertheless, the most significant outcome was a firm reassertion of VAR’s intended role.

According to a UEFA statement, VAR interventions should occur only in cases where a referee’s decision is "blatantly incorrect" or when a clear incident is missed. The statement emphasized that VAR is not designed to re-referee matches but to serve as a tool supporting, rather than replacing, the on-field official’s judgment.

Clarification was also provided on the use of VAR in cases of mistaken identity. Officials agreed that VAR may be used solely to verify which player was cautioned or penalized, but it cannot reassess the nature or validity of the offense itself.

Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s director for refereeing, highlighted the importance of consistent application of the laws, stating that clarity is essential to eliminate any uncertainty surrounding referee decisions.

In contrast to some practices observed during the recent FIFA World Cup, UEFA confirmed it will not adopt new disciplinary measures such as issuing red cards to players who cover their mouths while communicating with opponents, nor will it extend VAR reviews to include corner kicks.

These decisions reflect UEFA’s ongoing approach to balancing technological assistance with preserving the authority and flow of the game led by the match officials.

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