VAR checks, without the noise.

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.

Details fans miss most

• VAR has categories: it does not re-referee every free kick or throw-in, although the 2026/27 protocol adds tightly defined help for some second-caution red cards, mistaken identity, and optional clearly wrong corners.
• 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.

Every review begins with a quieter check

The VAR automatically checks goals, possible penalties, red-card incidents within scope, and relevant mistaken identity. Most checks confirm the on-field decision without stopping the restart for an on-field review. If footage indicates a possible clear and obvious error or serious missed incident, the VAR communicates the issue. A factual correction can often be made from video information, while a subjective decision normally sends the referee to the review area. The referee shows the television signal and announces or signals the final outcome according to the competition procedure.

Slow motion answers facts but can distort intensity

VAR uses the best available camera angles and speeds to establish contact point, ball position, boundary, identity, and other facts. Normal-speed footage remains important for judging force, speed, intent, and the natural character of a challenge. The original decision is not overturned simply because another interpretation is possible. For judgment calls, the replay must demonstrate a clear and obvious error; for a serious incident the officials entirely missed, the protocol allows intervention without pretending an on-field judgment was made.

A goal check can move backward through the move

After a goal, VAR can review the attacking possession phase that led directly to it for an offence by the scoring team, such as handball, offside, a foul, or the ball leaving play. The starting point depends on when the team gained possession and whether it then kept an immediate attacking movement. VAR does not ordinarily search indefinitely through earlier phases. If the defence gains controlled possession and begins a new phase before losing the ball again, that can end the earlier attacking phase for review purposes.

New assistance remains narrowly defined

The current protocol permits correction where a red card results from a clearly incorrect second caution and broadens mistaken-identity help when the wrong player or even wrong team is penalised. Competitions may also allow an obviously incorrect corner award to be corrected immediately when doing so causes no delay. These additions do not make every yellow card, corner, or restart reviewable. Availability depends on the competition adopting the optional element and on clear evidence being available before play restarts.

"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.

Source material

• IFAB VAR Protocol
• IFAB Laws of the Game
• FIFA Refereeing
• UEFA Refereeing