VAR in football: which plays can be reviewed?
VAR only acts in a limited set of situations, defined by the protocol.
Short answer: according to the IFAB protocol, the VAR (video assistant referee) can only help the referee in four types of situation: goals (and offences in the build-up), penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity. It does not review everything, and the final decision remains with the on-field referee. Competitions may have their own procedural details.
Protocol
The principle is minimum interference and maximum benefit. The VAR follows the match by video and only intervenes when it identifies a "clear and obvious error" or a "serious missed incident" in the situations provided for. The referee can then decide based on the VAR's recommendation, or go to the review area to see the images. The final decision is the referee's.
Plays that can be reviewed
- Goals: including offside, foul, handball or other offences in the build-up.
- Penalties: both awarding and not awarding, and offences in the taking of the kick.
- Direct red card: the sending-off, not a second caution.
- Mistaken identity: when the referee punishes the wrong player.
Limitations
- Not everything is reviewed: yellow cards, ordinary fouls, corner kicks and throw-ins, for example, are not reviewed, except for exceptions tied to the cases above.
- Interpretation still exists. Even with footage, some decisions involve judgment, such as the intensity of a foul.
- Technology has limits: cameras, angles and virtual lines help, but may not resolve every case.
- Time: the review can lengthen the stoppage, and added time at the end takes that into account.
Typical cases
Case 1. A goal comes after a play in which the attacker was, narrowly, in an offside position. The VAR assesses the position and recommends disallowing it.
Case 2. The referee does not award a penalty for a strong contact inside the area. The VAR suggests a review, and the referee goes to the monitor to decide.
Case 3. A foul in midfield, unrelated to a goal, penalty or red card. It is not reviewed.
To follow along
The broadcast usually indicates when there is a review, and the referee makes the gesture of a monitor. To check the official protocol, consult the IFAB website, and see the article on common mistakes in football and competitions on this site.