What is a "clear and obvious error"?
Rule- Australia
- Football Australia
- A-Leagues
- VAR
- Laws of the Game
- 2026/27
- Fans
It is the test the VAR must meet before it can step in. The IFAB VAR protocol says the VAR may assist only in the event of a "clear and obvious error" or a "serious missed incident" in one of the reviewable categories.
The protocol states the following about the test:
- The referee's original decision will not be changed unless the video review clearly shows that it was a clear and obvious error.
- This includes decisions the referee made based on information from another match official, such as offside.
- The referee must always make a decision first. The referee cannot give "no decision" and then rely on the VAR, although a decision to allow play to continue after an alleged offence can be reviewed.
Source: IFAB, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, 2026/27 Laws of the Game.
Added 24 Oct 2026