How VAR works in the Brasileirão and the revised bids

The Video Referee, better known by the acronym VAR (Video Assistant Referee), has become a central element in discussions about football since its definitive implementation in the Brazilian Championship. Technology was introduced to increase the accuracy of refereeing decisions and correct clear and obvious errors that could impact the outcome of a match. This article details how the VAR booth works and what types of moves can be reviewed in Brazilian football, following the official protocol of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), adopted by the CBF.

The structure and operation of the VAR booth

The VAR operations center, known as VOR (Video Operation Room), is an isolated environment where a referee team monitors the match in real time through several cameras. Communication with the field referee is done via radio. The team inside the cabin is made up of professionals with specific functions to ensure agility and accuracy in the analysis.

Video Referee (VAR): He is the team leader in the cabin. Usually an experienced referee or former referee, he follows the game on the main monitor and communicates directly with the on-field referee. It is responsible for identifying possible clear and obvious errors;

Assistant Video Referee (AVAR): The main AVAR assists the VAR in observing the match, focusing on moves that are not being analyzed at the moment so as not to miss any important plays;

Second Assistant (AVAR2): This assistant specializes in analyzing offside lines. Using specific software, it checks all potential offside situations in goal attempts;

Replay Operator (OR): He is the technician responsible for operating the system, selecting the best angles and camera speeds requested by the VAR to analyze a move;

What types of bids can be reviewed

The VAR protocol is restrictive and does not allow the review of any play in the match. The video referee’s intervention is limited to four specific situations that can change the course of the game, always with the aim of correcting factual errors or incidents missed by the field referee.

Goals: VAR checks all goals scored to check if there was any irregularity in the play, such as an offside, a foul committed by the attacking team or if the ball completely crossed the goal line;

Penalties: Review occurs both to award a clear penalty that was not awarded and to cancel an incorrectly awarded penalty. The analysis focuses on whether the foul occurred inside or outside the area, whether there was actually an infraction or whether the player simulated contact;

Direct red cards: The check only applies to direct expulsions, not the second yellow card. The VAR may recommend the application of a red card for a serious offense not seen by the referee or the annulment of an expulsion considered erroneous;

Identity error: In situations where the referee warns or sends off the wrong player, VAR intervenes to correct the identification and ensure that the sanction is applied to the correct athlete;

The step-by-step process of a bid review

The VAR review process follows a clear protocol to ensure that interference in the game is minimal and effective. The final decision is always made by the field referee, who is the highest authority in the match.

Silent check: The VAR team continuously analyzes the game’s key moments without interrupting the match. Most of the time, no irregularities are found and the game continues normally, without the public or players noticing the check;

Start of review: If a clear and obvious error is identified in one of the four reviewable situations, VAR informs the field referee. The review can also be initiated by the field referee himself if he has doubts about a move;

Analysis and recommendation: The VAR describes what the images show and recommends action. The field referee can accept the recommendation based on the information received or opt for a review on the fieldside monitor (On-Field Review – OFR);

Final decision: After listening to the recommendation or reviewing the move on the monitor, the field referee makes the final decision and signals his choice to restart the game;

The implementation of VAR in the Brasileirão and other competitions aims to bring more justice to sport, using technology as a tool to support arbitration. Their action is restricted to capital plays, following a strict protocol to correct clear errors without replacing the authority of the field referee, who has the final say in all decisions. Knowing how the VAR booth works and what types of moves can be reviewed is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of modern football.