In modern soccer, a single decision can change the course of a match — a goal, a penalty, a red card. To help ensure fairness and accuracy, top-level competitions around the world now rely on VAR, or Video Assistant Referee technology.

But what exactly is VAR, how does it work, and when is it used?

Here’s a complete breakdown of how VAR functions in 2025 and what fans, players, and coaches should know.

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What Does VAR Stand For?

VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. It is a support system that allows match officials to review key moments during a game using video footage to ensure the correct decision is made.

VAR was officially approved by FIFA in 2018 and has since been implemented across many top competitions, including:

• FIFA World Cup
• UEFA Champions League
• English Premier League (EPL)
• Major League Soccer (MLS)
• Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and more

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When Is VAR Used?

VAR is designed to intervene only in "clear and obvious" errors or serious missed incidents. It is not used for every foul or judgment call.

VAR is limited to four specific situations:

1. Goals and Offsides Leading to Goals
   • Was there a handball?
   • Was the attacker offside?
   • Was there a foul before the goal?
2. Penalty Decisions
   • Was a foul committed inside or outside the box?
   • Was there a dive or simulation?
   • Was a penalty incorrectly awarded or missed?
3. Direct Red Cards
   • Violent conduct
   • Serious foul play
   • Denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity
4. Mistaken Identity
   • When a referee penalizes the wrong player (e.g., gives a card to the wrong person)

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How Does VAR Work During a Match?

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Incident Occurs
   A potentially reviewable moment takes place during the game.
2. VAR Reviews Automatically
   The video assistant referee, located in a control room with multiple camera angles, begins reviewing the incident in real time.
3. Communication with On-Field Referee
   VAR informs the center referee if a review is needed. The final decision always lies with the on-field referee.
4. On-Field Review (OFR)
   For subjective decisions, the referee may pause play and go to a pitchside monitor to review the footage personally.
5. Decision Made
   The referee either sticks with the original call or overturns it based on the video evidence.
6. Restart
   Play resumes with the appropriate restart (goal, penalty, free kick, or dropped ball).

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How Long Does a VAR Review Take?

Most reviews are completed within 60 to 120 seconds, though times may vary depending on the complexity of the situation. The aim is to balance accuracy with minimal disruption to the flow of the game.

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Is VAR Used in Every League or Match?

No. VAR requires extensive equipment, trained staff, and a centralized video operation room — meaning it’s currently used mostly in top-tier leagues, international tournaments, and some domestic cup competitions.

Lower divisions and grassroots leagues typically do not use VAR due to logistical and financial limitations.

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Common Criticisms of VAR

While VAR improves accuracy in decision-making, it has sparked debate among fans and experts. Some common criticisms include:

• Inconsistency in how and when it’s used
• Delays that interrupt game flow
• Subjective interpretation even with video evidence
• Lack of transparency around communication between referees and VAR room

Despite the controversies, most governing bodies continue to refine and improve VAR’s implementation season after season.

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What’s New With VAR in 2025?

As of 2025, technology continues to evolve:

• Semi-automated offside detection using AI-driven limb tracking is being tested and used in select leagues
• Live audio feed transparency (similar to rugby) is being piloted to allow fans to hear referee-VAR conversations in real time
• Expanded VAR training is in place for referees at continental and national levels to improve consistency

These updates aim to make VAR faster, more accurate, and more fan-friendly across the board.

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Final Thoughts

VAR is one of the most significant changes to the sport of soccer in recent history. While it continues to evolve, its core purpose remains the same — to help referees make better decisions in the most critical moments of the game.

Understanding how and when it’s used helps fans appreciate the technology and the challenges that come with balancing fairness and flow on the pitch.