What is a VAR check, and what does the referee's TV signal mean?

Under the IFAB VAR protocol:

• Check: the VAR automatically checks the footage for every potential or actual goal, penalty or direct red card decision, and for cases of mistaken identity, using different camera angles and replay speeds.
• Silent check: if the check shows no clear and obvious error or serious missed incident, there is usually no need for the VAR to speak to the referee.
• Delayed restart: if a restart needs to be delayed for a check, the referee holds a finger to the earpiece and extends the other hand or arm. The signal is held until the check is complete, because it shows the referee is receiving information.
• Review: if the check shows a probable clear and obvious error or serious missed incident, the VAR tells the referee, who decides whether to start a review. If play has not stopped, the referee stops it when the ball is next in a neutral situation (usually when neither team is in an attacking move) and shows the TV signal.
• Final decision: after the review, the referee shows the TV signal immediately followed by the decision.

Source: IFAB, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, 2026/27 Laws of the Game.