Video Review

Video Review: 4 Match-Changing Incidents

The on-field decision will only be overturned if the video indicates a clear and obvious error in one of 4 match-changing incidents.


Each of the 4 match-changing incidents is checked and analyzed by the VAR. If no video review occurs, it is because the VAR did not identify a potential clear and obvious error.


NOTE:APP (attacking phase of play) = the phase of play as determined by the referee when a team starts the attacking move toward the opposition’s penalty area, leading up to the match-changing incident.


1. Goals


Was awarding or not awarding a goal a clear and obvious error?


  • Did the ball cross the goal line?
  • Was there an infraction during the attacking phase of play (APP) that would negate the goal?
    • Hand ball by the attacking team?
    • Foul by the attacking team?
    • Offside?
    • Ball out of play?
    • Encroachment on a penalty that impacts a goal being scored?


2. Penalty Kicks


Was awarding or not awarding a penalty kick a clear and obvious error?


  • Was there a penalty foul committed?
  • Was the foul inside or outside the box?
  • Was there an infraction during the attacking phase of play (APP)* that would negate the penalty?
    • Hand ball by the attacking team?
    • Foul by the attacking team?
    • Offside?
    • Ball out of play?


3. Straight Red Cards


Was showing or not showing a straight red card a clear and obvious error? (Second yellow cards are not reviewable)


Red cards for violent conduct or serious foul play

  • Did a foul or incident warrant a red card?
  • Did a foul or incident NOT warrant a red card?
  • Did the on-field officials miss an incident of violent conduct or serious foul play that was identified by the VAR?


DOGSO red card

  • Was there an infraction during the attacking phase of play (APP)* that would negate a red card for Denial of an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO)?
    • Hand ball by the attacking team?
    • Foul by the attacking team?
    • Offside?
    • Ball out of play?


4. Mistaken Identity


Did the referee issue red and yellow cards to the correct players?