Question Number: 34467

Mechanics 1/4/2022

Crebs Crem of Zagreb, Croatia asks...

Hello,

As far as I know, VAR cannot get involved unless there is a situation related to to a goal, penalty, direct red card or a mistaken identity. However, does the central referee have the freedom to consult the video assistant referee for incidents which are not related to a goal, penalty, direct red card or a mistaken identity? In other words, how tolerable would it be if the central referee consults the VAR for throw-in, goal-kick, corner-kick, foul, yellow card and second yellow card decisions?

Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Crebs
The VAR protocol is very specific on what can and cannot be reviewed.

So a referee cannot use VAR on throw ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, yellow card decisions etc. It can be used where there is a direct red card offence yet not on a 2nd caution red card.

In many ways IFAB is keen not to change the fundamentals of refereeing with VAR and it is only used in the limited categories of decisions as laid out in the protocol.

I would suspect that the VAR training will cover the ways in which VAR can and cannot be used so that inappropriate use would not arise.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Crebs,

The VAR protocol is clear that only the specified categories of incident can be reviewed. So there is no option and no tolerability for the referee to consult the VAR for the kinds of decision that you list. This would not be permitted.