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UEFA Tightens VAR Rules and Launches Clear Line to Limit Reviews to Clear Errors

The reforms aim to speed up checks, restore on-field referees as the primary decision-makers, curb forensic slow-motion scrutiny, improve consistency across competitions.

Overview

  • Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's managing director for refereeing, launched the Clear Line portal on Monday and said many current VAR reviews “were not connected with football.”
  • UEFA and IFAB have agreed a standard on-screen review protocol that shows a freeze-frame, then half-speed, then full speed to shorten monitor checks and reduce replay loops.
  • All 55 UEFA member associations have endorsed tightened guidance to restrict VAR interventions to clear and obvious errors rather than detailed, slow-motion replays.
  • Rosetti warned that any review taking longer than about 90 seconds risks losing credibility and that excessive interventions are changing player behaviour by encouraging play for reviews.
  • The changes are meant to make VAR a safety net that supports, not replaces, on-field referees and to reduce wide variations in VAR use and handball penalty rates across leagues.