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UEFA Launches Clear Line to Rein In Forensic VAR and Restore Referees' Authority

UEFA unveiled a public guide with a new pitchside monitor protocol to restrict VAR to clear, serious errors.

Overview

  • UEFA launched the Clear Line platform this week as an open library of about 100–150 real match clips showing when VAR should and should not intervene.
  • The governing body agreed a standardised pitchside review procedure that shows a freeze-frame for point of contact, then half speed, then full speed to give context to on‑monitor checks.
  • Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's head of referees, said the move responds to years of slow‑motion, forensic reviews and intends to return subjective decisions to the on‑field referee.
  • UEFA set practical timing guidance for reviews, warning checks that run longer than roughly 90 seconds risk losing credibility and disrupt match flow.
  • The platform and protocol were developed with lead referee officers from England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy to improve cross‑competition consistency on issues such as handball and penalty calls.