FIFA World Cup Video Assistant Referee

Video Assistant Referees (VARs) aim to help referees reach more correct decisions. The system was introduced to most top European leagues, and was trialled in England’s FA Cup, in the 2017–18 season


VARs CAN BE USED IN FOUR SCENARIOS

1 Goals: Check for infringement that would disallow goal. Match already paused so no impact on game

2 Penalty: Double-check no wrong decision is made with award (or non-award) of penalty kick

3 Red card incidents: Ensure no obviously wrong decision is made when sending player off

4 Mistaken identity: VARs can identify correct player to discipline, if referee is unsure


REVIEW CAN BE INITIATED BY REFEREE OR VARs

1 Referee informs VARs (or VARs recommend to referee) that decision or incident should be reviewed

2 Video footage reviewed by VARs, who advise referee via headset what video shows

3 Referee accepts information from video footage and takes appropriate action

OR Referee decides to review video footage at side of pitch before taking appropriate action

Referee makes final decision, VARs have no power to overrule


Sources: FIFA, Bundesliga, Sky News 
Pictures: Bundesliga 
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