What is VAR in soccer?
What VAR can and cannot review
VAR is limited to four categories: whether a goal should stand (offside, foul in the buildup, ball out of play), penalty-kick decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity when the wrong player is carded. It does not review ordinary fouls, yellow cards, or most throw-ins and corner kicks.
The system uses multiple camera angles, including slow-motion and freeze-frame views, to help the referee see what happened. The final decision always rests with the on-field referee, who can accept the VAR's recommendation or review the footage on a pitch-side monitor.
- Goal or no goal
- Penalty or no penalty
- Direct red card
- Mistaken identity (wrong player carded)
How a review unfolds
When a potential error occurs, the VAR team—usually a lead VAR, an assistant VAR, and a replay operator—checks the footage while the referee waits. If they find a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident, they recommend a review.
The referee can either accept the VAR's finding and change the call, or go to the monitor for an on-field review. After reviewing, the referee makes the final decision, often signaling the outcome with a TV screen gesture.
Where VAR is used and common variations
VAR is used in major competitions like the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup. It is also used in many domestic leagues and cups, though not all—some lower divisions and smaller competitions do not have it.
The exact protocol can vary slightly by competition. For example, some leagues use additional cameras or a different threshold for 'clear and obvious' errors. The core four reviewable categories remain the same worldwide.
Common mistakes
- Thinking VAR can review any foul or yellow card—it only covers goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity.
- Believing the VAR makes the final call; the on-field referee always has the final decision.
- Assuming VAR is used in every soccer game; many amateur and lower-league matches do not have it.
