Why do some VAR reviews take so long?
Rule- Australia
- Football Australia
- A-Leagues
- VAR
- Laws of the Game
- 2026/27
- Fans
The IFAB VAR protocol sets no maximum time for a review. It says the process should be completed as efficiently as possible, but the accuracy of the final decision is more important than speed. It adds that some situations are complex, with several reviewable decisions or incidents.
For goals, penalties and denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), it may be necessary to review the attacking phase of play that led directly to the incident, which can include how the attacking team gained possession in open play.
Source: IFAB, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, 2026/27 Laws of the Game.
Added 24 Oct 2026