Who makes the final decision with VAR, and can players or coaches ask for a review?

The referee always makes the final decision. Only the referee can start a review: the VAR and other match officials can only recommend one. The referee must make an original decision first (no "no decision"), and that decision is not changed unless the video shows a "clear and obvious error".

Players and coaches cannot request a check or review, because the VAR automatically checks every situation. Players, substitutes and team officials must not surround the referee or try to influence the review process or the final decision. During a review, players stay on the field of play and substitutes and team officials stay off it. The referee stays visible during the review.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, VAR protocol https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/video-assistant-referee-var-protocol/