VAR (Video Assistant Referee)

The potential for referee decisions in football matches to directly influence the outcome of the game has led to the development of decision-support systems over time. Within this framework, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has been structured not as a mechanism that oversees or directs the referee’s on-field decisions, but as an application that provides visual support only in specific and limited situations. The system has been designed to remain faithful to the essence of the game’s rules and is restricted to correcting clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents that affect the match result. The VAR application has continued to uphold the principle that the final decision-making authority in football remains with the referee.

VAR - Video Assistant Referee (AA)

Definition and Scope of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

The Video Assistant Referee is defined as a member of the refereeing team operating during the match. VAR is positioned as a match official who has independent access to match footage to assist the on-field referee. The system supports the referee’s decision-making process but never replaces the referee at any stage. The Video Assistant Referee intervenes only when a “clear and obvious error” or a “serious missed incident” is identified.

The VAR system was incorporated into the Laws of the Game starting with the 2018–2019 season. Since that date, it has been adopted in numerous national and international competitions in accordance with standards established by FIFA and the IFAB.

Core Principles of the VAR System

The operation of the VAR system is based on specific principles. The first principle is that the system is not intended to review all decisions, but only to be used in limited situations that significantly affect the course of the match. The fundamental philosophy of VAR is to achieve maximum benefit with minimum intervention. The referee’s initial on-field decision remains valid unless the video evidence reveals a clear error.

Another core principle is that only the referee can initiate a review. VAR may recommend a review to the referee, but the decision to review and the final ruling rest solely with the referee. There is no time limit for the review process, as accuracy is considered more important than speed.

Reviewable Decision Categories

The VAR system is used exclusively for decisions falling under four main categories, which are deemed capable of directly affecting the match result.

Goals and goal-scoring incidents constitute the first area within VAR’s scope. This includes determining whether the ball went out of play before the goal, whether a foul occurred during the build-up, or whether an offside position was present.

Penalty decisions form the second key review area. This includes whether a penalty was correctly awarded, whether the foul occurred inside the penalty area, or whether a rule violation occurred prior to the penalty.

Direct red card decisions are another category subject to VAR review. Red cards resulting from a second yellow card are excluded from this scope. Severe fouls, clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity, and acts of unsporting behavior are evaluated under this category.

Instances of mistaken identity in card issuance are also included within VAR’s scope. This review is limited solely to verifying whether the correct player received the card; the nature of the foul itself is not subject to reassessment.

Technical and Operational Structure

The VAR system is managed from a facility known as the Video Operation Room (VOR). In this room, the VAR, one or more Assistant Video Assistant Referees (AVARs), and replay operators perform their duties. The VAR team has independent access to camera footage provided by the broadcast organization.

The number of cameras used varies according to the organization’s preferences. In full VAR systems, at least four cameras are used, while in the more limited VAR Light applications, between four and eight cameras may be employed. Footage can be reviewed at normal speed or in slow motion; slow motion is primarily used for factual assessments such as contact points and positional analysis.

VAR - Video Assistant Referee (AA)

Review Process and the Referee’s Role

During the match, VAR automatically monitors every goal, penalty incident, and situation with potential for a direct red card. The majority of these checks are referred to as “silent checks,” during which no communication occurs with the referee. If a clear error is identified, VAR informs the referee.

Based on information received from VAR, the referee may choose to conduct an on-field review or make a decision solely on the basis of VAR’s input. If an on-field review is conducted, the referee proceeds to the Referee Review Area (RRA) to view the footage and then announces the final decision. Once the review is complete, the referee signals the decision visually and restarts play in accordance with the rules.

Disciplinary and Behavioral Rules

During the VAR review process, players, coaching staff, and substitutes are prohibited from interfering with the referee’s decision-making. Surrounding the referee, demanding a review, or excessively gesturing toward the TV screen constitutes a disciplinary offense. Unauthorized entry into the referee review area may result in a caution or dismissal.

Organizational Framework of the VAR Application

For a VAR system to be implemented in any organization, it must meet the conditions set forth by FIFA and the IFAB under the Application Support and Approval Program. This program covers technical infrastructure, training procedures, and personnel competency. VAR implementation is not permitted unless these requirements are fully satisfied.

In UEFA competitions, VAR was gradually introduced starting in 2019, with each match featuring a team consisting of a VAR, an AVAR, and replay operators. This structure is regarded as an extension of the refereeing team.

VAR - Video Assistant Referee (AA)

VAR Implementation in Türkiye

In Türkiye, the Video Assistant Referee system was officially introduced starting with the 2018–2019 season. Prior to full implementation, trial matches were conducted across various leagues and competitions. The central VAR facility in Türkiye has been designed to monitor multiple matches simultaneously.

In Türkiye’s implementation, the fundamental principle is that VAR does not make decisions but only provides visual support to the referee’s decision-making process. The ultimate authority to decide remains with the center referee under all circumstances.