In this article, we continue to explain the video referee technology, returning to the 2022 FIFA Code of Laws with a second episode in which we highlight the quality of the decisions that the video referee analyzes during a match.

Match Affecting Decisions Subject to Review

The match referee can only receive assistance from the VAR referee in decisions related to four topics related to matters that can be described as decisions affecting the course of the match. In all cases, the video referee reviews the kick only after the referee has made a decision on the field regarding the situation, including the continuation of the game, or in the event of an important event that was not noticed by the match referee.

The referee’s decision will not be changed in any case unless there is compelling evidence of a serious effective error, whether on the part of the arena referee or the assistant referees regarding offside decisions.

The four topics that a video technology judge can intervene in are divided as follows:

1. Target/No target

Violation by the attacking team when building an attack with the aim of scoring or scoring a goal (foul, offside, handball, etc.).

The ball is out of bounds before a goal has been scored.

Decision on goal/no goal, i.e. the ball crosses the goal line.

Infringement by the goalkeeper or penalty taker, or a teammate of the goalkeeper or penalty taker.

2. Penalty/no penalty

Foul on the part of the attacking team when building an attack before a penalty is awarded (foul, offside, handball, etc.).

The ball is out of bounds before the event in the penalty area.

Place of infringement (inside or outside the penalty area).

Wrong penalty awarded.

No penalty is awarded.

3. Direct red cards (not a second yellow card)

Preventing the possibility of a real goal (specifically the place of the violation and the location of the defending players).

Violation by excessive force or negligence.

Obscene behavior, biting or spitting towards any other party.

Use of offensive language or incorrect signs.

4. Wrong player ID (yellow or red card)

If the referee scores a foul and the player is cautioned or sent off in error, rather than the offender himself, the VAR referee may review the stroke and ask the referee to correct the error and issue a warning or suspension to the offending player. , The offense itself is not considered unless it involves a goal, a penalty or a direct red card.