Uefa Bars VAR From Penalizing Diving Like World Cup

Uefa has issued directives to its video assistant referees (VARs), specifying that they are not to consider potential simulation or diving as a form of mistaken identity. This instruction explicitly contrasts with the approach taken during the 2026 World Cup, where such interpretations were permitted. The decision aims to clarify the application of VAR technology in European football competitions, focusing on clear factual errors rather than subjective judgments of player behavior.

This new guideline means that VAR officials will not be able to intervene in situations where a player is perceived to be simulating a foul, even if the referee on the field has made a mistaken identity call based on that simulation. The focus for VAR intervention remains on clear and obvious errors related to goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity where the player involved is not the one who committed the offense. The objective is to ensure consistency and reduce the subjective interpretation of on-field incidents.

Uefa's stance emphasizes that the VAR system is intended to correct factual inaccuracies and not to re-referee the game based on player actions that might be deemed unsporting but do not fall under the defined categories for intervention. This move is expected to lead to fewer interruptions for incidents of simulation, allowing the game to flow more freely while still addressing significant officiating mistakes. The directive was communicated to all VAR officials involved in Uefa competitions.