UEFA Reasserts VAR's Purpose: Only Interfere in Cases of Clear and Real Errors

UEFA holds European referee meeting to confirm VAR goals (UEFA doc).

JAKARTA - Referees across Europe have reiterated the need for VAR to only change clear decisions and address clear missed incidents.

UEFA brought together the heads of referees from all 55 national associations last week along with representatives from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) - which sets the rules of the game - in an effort to reach a consensus on the best approach to refereeing matches.

There was unanimous support for further measures to speed up the resumption of matches, such as time limits for substitutions and a five-second countdown for goal kicks and throw-ins.

However, the most significant statement was the reaffirmation of the original purpose of VAR.

"VAR can only intervene in situations of clear and obvious error, that is when the referee's decision is clearly wrong or when the referee misses a clear incident."

"VAR is not intended to take over the decision-making in a match, but is an important support for the referee, who must remain the centre of all decision-making."

"Long and detailed reviews are often a symptom that the decision on the pitch is not clear and clearly wrong. Therefore, it must be limited," said UEFA.

UEFA also said it welcomed clarification from IFAB on the interpretation of identity errors.

An IFAB circular reminds them that, for now, although the approach used during the 2026 World Cup was well received, VAR can only review yellow cards to identify players who commit a sanctioned offense, and that the offense itself cannot be reviewed or changed.

Switzerland controversially sent off Breel Embolo with a second yellow card against Argentina after a yellow card for Leandro Paredes was overturned after being reviewed. The referee found Embolo to have dived.

"The fact that all 55 national associations and UEFA have agreed on guidelines towards a more consistent approach to the application of the Laws of the Game marks an important milestone."

"This will help improve understanding of referee decisions among players, clubs, supporters and all stakeholders in the game."

"For the popularity of football, it is very important to remove all doubts from the game and ensure that the law is applied clearly," said Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's refereeing director.

UEFA is also not expected to introduce other optional measures, seen at the 2026 World Cup, in all competitions under its auspices, such as red cards for players who cover their mouths when talking to opponents, or VAR checks on corner kicks.