What is VAR? How does VAR work? What can the referee use VAR for?

What is VAR?

VAR stands for video assistant referee, though it is actually a team of three people who work together and review certain deciisions made by the referee.

How does VAR work?

The team is made up of a video assistant referee, his assistant and a replay operate who are placed in a room suited and booted with camera angles covering all of the pitch.

What can the referee use VAR for?

Four types of decisions can be reviewed: goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity when awarding a card. For any decision to be overturned, it must be a clear error.

When does the VAR get involved?

So far there has been plenty of confusion about when the VAR can actually get involved.
And the answer to that question is ONLY when they spot a clear error. They need to communicate that to the referee when they do and, if they don't, then the original decision will stand.

Who decides when the VAR gets involved?

The VAR is the only person who can decide to get involved. The referee cannot ask them for help.

How long does VAR have to flag up an incident?

The VAR has until the next time the match restarts to intervene. If they are checking footage they may order the referee not to restart the game until the incident has been dealt with.