Uefa referees chief Roberto Rosetti has sharply criticized the current state of video assistant referee (VAR) reviews, asserting that many analyses are not directly linked to the game itself. In a recent interview, Rosetti stated that a significant number of reviews are occurring outside of football context, particularly with the focus on minor infractions. He explained that the primary objective of VAR is to ensure clear and unambiguous decisions, emphasizing the importance of context and the nature of the match itself. Rosetti stressed that the referee must ultimately make the call, and VAR should only be used when errors are blatant – a referee’s responsibility, not a computer’s analysis. He acknowledges the challenge of finding a consistent approach across all leagues, which often leads to differing interpretations of offenses. The Premier League’s recent history of the most relaxed handball interpretation last season, coupled with the Bundesliga’s lower frequency, highlights this difficulty. He further noted that the increased use of VAR reviews, particularly the lengthy freeze-frames and multiple replays, has been negatively impacting player behavior and creating a perception of excessive scrutiny, particularly regarding the time taken for reviews. The Uefa initiative to create a ‘Clear Line’ portal, designed to provide detailed video examples of handball situations, reflects this concern, aiming for greater consistency in applying the laws of the game. Rosetti contends that the goal is to return to the original principle of VAR – referees should be at the center of decision-making, not merely analyzing footage. He emphasized that the time being spent on VAR reviews is a concern, suggesting that the focus should shift away from simply reviewing incidents and towards a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes clear and obvious situations. The introduction of a freeze-frame for point of contact, followed by half-speed, and then full speed for the intensity of the challenge, demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the referee’s actions are understandable and clearly defined. He underscored that VAR is a tool, not a web page, intended for specific situations – penalties, red cards, attacking offenses, factual decisions, and mistaken identity – and that referees should remain in control of the match. The Uefa is actively working to improve the effectiveness of VAR through detailed video examples and a framework for clear decision-making, aiming to balance the need for accurate officiating with player welfare. He also stated that the focus should be on the origin of VAR, not simply the application of the laws. The challenge of ensuring that VAR’s decisions are understandable and consistent is a major concern, with the risk of losing credibility if the process becomes too complex. The system is intended to be a guide for all people involved in football, ensuring everyone understands the rules and interventions. The 2025-26 season saw the Premier League’s lowest intervention rate in Europe, with the Champions League having a higher frequency of reviews, highlighting the need for a more refined approach. The Uefa is working to improve the overall experience for the fans, emphasizing the importance of referees being at the heart of the match, and aiming for a more balanced approach to VAR reviews. The initial proposal involved a freeze-frame for point of contact, followed by half-speed, and then full speed for the intensity of the challenge. He stressed that referees should always make a clear decision, and VAR should only intervene for clear and obvious situations, ensuring that the focus remains on the core of the game. The new protocol aims to improve the clarity of VAR decisions, creating a better understanding of the rules. The key to the system is to ensure the referees are able to make decisions quickly and efficiently, without excessive time spent reviewing footage. The system is intended to be a tool to help everyone understand VAR. The challenge is to balance the need for accurate officiating with the overall experience of football. The Uefa is actively working to improve VAR’s effectiveness, aiming to ensure the system is used correctly.
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Source: BBC Football
