Who decides to start a VAR review, and can a coach or player ask for one?
Rule- Australia
- Football Australia
- A-Leagues
- VAR
- Laws of the Game
- 2026/27
- Fans
Only the referee can start a review. The VAR and the other match officials can only recommend one. The referee can start a review when the VAR or another match official recommends it, or when the referee suspects that something serious has been missed.
Coaches and players do not need to ask for a check or review, because the VAR automatically checks every situation. The final decision is always taken by the referee, either on information from the VAR or after an on-field review.
Source: IFAB, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, 2026/27 Laws of the Game.
Added 24 Oct 2026