The four categories — and only the four

VAR's scope is deliberately narrow:

1. Goals — Was the goal valid? VAR checks for offside, fouls, and handball in the build-up phase. The build-up phase is defined by the protocol — usually from when the attacking team started the move.
2. Penalty decisions — Was the foul or handball really inside the box? Should a penalty have been given? Should one have been waved off?
3. Direct red card incidents — Serious foul play, violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, spitting. Not second yellows.
4. Mistaken identity — Did the referee book or send off the wrong player? VAR can identify the actual offender.

Why yellow cards aren't reviewable

This is the most-asked question. The protocol excludes yellow cards on purpose — to keep the volume of reviews manageable and to preserve referee authority on game-management calls. The only exception within the yellow-card space is mistaken identity (wrong player carded) and the upgrade path from a missed direct red.

What "in the build-up" means for goals

The reviewable build-up isn't the entire half. It's the attacking phase that led to the goal — usually starting when the attacking team gained or regained possession. A foul earlier in the move that wasn't part of the attacking phase doesn't reach the goal review.

What's not reviewable

• Throw-in directions
• Corner vs. goal kick decisions
• Free kick locations (unless they led directly to a reviewable goal)
• Yellow cards
• Second yellow cards leading to a sending-off (some competitions are testing this in 2026/27)
• Decisions in midfield outside the four categories

Why the rule exists in this form

A wider VAR scope would mean more delays, more interventions, and weaker on-field authority. The protocol is a deliberate compromise: catch the worst errors, leave the rest alone.