Uefa Rejects VAR Diving Protocol
· news
Uefa Will Not Use VAR for Diving Like at World Cup
Uefa has announced that it will not adopt the “mistaken identity” protocol used by Fifa in the 2026 World Cup to review potential simulation using Video Assistant Referees (VARs). This decision comes after two high-profile cases where VARs intervened to change yellow cards given to United States defender Tim Ream and Switzerland striker Breel Embolo.
The governing body of European football has been criticized for its handling of VAR decisions, with many arguing that the constant need for clarification on rules and protocols is a major issue. The “mistaken identity” protocol was intended to prevent simulation, but its implementation has raised questions about what constitutes simulation versus mistaken identity.
One concern is that this approach could create a two-tier system, where simulation can only be reviewed if a yellow card has been shown. This would lead to more controversy and debate about the role of VARs in the game.
The lack of transparency surrounding these decisions has also come under scrutiny. In briefings before the World Cup, Fifa’s head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, used an example from the Euro 2016 final to illustrate how the “mistaken identity” protocol would work. However, it was only later revealed that simulation had not been explicitly mentioned as a potential use for this protocol.
Uefa’s decision to reject the use of mistaken identity is a welcome step, but it does not address the underlying issues with VAR implementation. The governing body still needs to provide clarity and consistency in its approach.
The impact on domestic leagues will be significant. Many are breathing a sigh of relief, while others may see this as an opportunity to push for more clarity and transparency in their own use of VARs. A league representative spoke out about the potential chaos that could ensue if every yellow card were reviewable for potential simulation.
The head referees from Uefa’s 54 member nations are due to hold a summit next week to discuss all aspects of VAR use, including mistaken identity. This meeting marks an opportunity for governing bodies to come together and work towards creating a more consistent and transparent approach to implementing VARs.
Ultimately, this means working closely with domestic leagues and ensuring that the rules and protocols governing VAR use are clear and consistent. Only then can we truly begin to harness the potential of these technology-driven reviews to improve the game for players, fans, and officials alike.
Reader Views
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
Uefa's rejection of the "mistaken identity" protocol for VARs is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't address the underlying issue: how to clearly define simulation without resorting to subjective interpretations. The current system invites controversy and debate, as witnessed by the World Cup debacle. What's also worrying is that this decision might create a vacuum, allowing other governing bodies to impose their own questionable protocols on leagues and clubs. We need Uefa to move beyond just rejecting the flawed protocol and provide a clear framework for simulation detection – transparency and consistency are not mutually exclusive in football's VAR era.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
Uefa's decision to reject the "mistaken identity" protocol for VAR review is a step in the right direction, but it's only half the battle. The governing body still needs to provide clear guidelines on what constitutes simulation and how referees will be trained to identify it. Without a unified approach across leagues, we risk a patchwork of inconsistent decisions that will only add fuel to the fire of VAR criticism. What's needed now is a comprehensive review of VAR implementation and a commitment to transparency from Uefa and its member associations.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The Uefa decision to reject VAR's "mistaken identity" protocol is a step in the right direction, but let's not get too carried away - this move doesn't necessarily signal a commitment to transparency and consistency. The governing body still needs to define what simulation means and how it will be flagged by referees. Without clear guidelines, we're stuck with guesswork and controversy. Fans deserve better than to second-guess every yellow card.