SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-var-what

When can VAR help the referee?

Only for clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents in match-changing decisions.

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  1. For every throw-in and foul
  2. For clear errors or serious missed incidents in reviewable calls ✔
  3. Only when a coach asks for a review

Why: VAR covers goals, penalty incidents, direct red cards, mistaken identity and, where competition rules allow, clearly incorrect corner-kick awards. The referee makes the final decision.

Huh, didn't know that: VAR automatically checks potential or actual incidents in the reviewable categories, so coaches and players do not need to request a review.

The dad joke
Why did the VAR bring popcorn? It watches every match closely.
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References

Answer: For clear errors or serious missed incidents in reviewable calls. VAR covers goals, penalty incidents, direct red cards, mistaken identity and, where competition rules allow, clearly incorrect corner-kick awards. The referee makes the final decision.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, VAR protocol www.theifab.com/laws/latest/video-assistant-referee-var-protocol
    may assist the referee only in the event of a ‘clear and obvious error’ or ‘serious missed incident’
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, VAR protocol www.theifab.com/laws/latest/video-assistant-referee-var-protocol
    Clearly incorrectly awarded corner kick if the decision can be changed immediately and without delaying the restart
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, VAR protocol www.theifab.com/laws/latest/video-assistant-referee-var-protocol
    The VAR automatically ‘checks’ the TV camera footage for every potential or actual goal, penalty or direct red card decision/incident, or a case of mistaken identity
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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