What is the difference between an on-field review and a VAR-only review?

After the VAR describes what the replay shows, the referee chooses one of two routes (IFAB VAR protocol):

• On-field review (OFR): the referee shows the TV signal and goes to the referee review area to watch the replay before making a final decision. The other match officials do not review the footage unless, in exceptional circumstances, the referee asks them to.
• VAR-only review: the referee makes the final decision based on their own perception and the VAR's information, plus input from other match officials where appropriate.

Which one suits which decision:

• Subjective decisions, such as the intensity of a foul challenge, interference at offside or handball considerations: an on-field review is appropriate.
• Factual decisions, such as the position of a player, point of contact, whether a foul was inside or outside the penalty area, or ball out of play: a VAR-only review is usually appropriate. An on-field review can still be used if it helps manage the players or "sell" the decision, for example a crucial match-deciding decision late in the game.

At the end of either process the referee shows the TV signal immediately followed by the final decision.

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