Matches using VARs must have a video operation room and at least one referee review area, where the referee conducts an on-field review. The area must be in a visible location outside the field of play and clearly marked. A player, substitute, substituted player or team official who enters it is cautioned.
The two VAR areas
Here are the two VAR areas and the sanction for a player, substitute, substituted player or team official who enters each.
| Area | What it is | Sanction for entering it |
|---|---|---|
| Referee review area (RRA) | Where the referee undertakes an on-field review; must be in a visible location outside the field of play and clearly marked | Caution |
| Video operation room (VOR) | Where the VAR, the assistant VAR and the replay operator work; may be in or close to the stadium or at a more distant location | Sending-off |
What the referee review area must be
The referee review area is where the referee conducts an on-field review.
It must be in a visible location outside the field of play, and it must be clearly marked. Both requirements apply together.
If a player, substitute, substituted player or team official enters the referee review area, that person will be cautioned. For example, a coach who enters the area while the referee is carrying out an on-field review is cautioned.
How the video operation room is different
The video operation room is the workplace of the VAR, the assistant VAR and the replay operator. Its location is flexible: it may be in the stadium, close to the stadium, or at a more distant location.
During the match, only authorised persons are permitted to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR, AVAR and replay operator. The sanction is stronger than for the referee review area: a player, substitute, substituted player or team official who enters the VOR will be sent off.
For example, if a substitute enters the VOR during a match and the referee is informed when play next stops, the substitute is sent off, must leave the technical area and may not be replaced. The team’s permitted number of substitutions is not reduced.
Separate cautions for the review signal
Excessive use of the review (TV screen) signal is a separate cautionable offence, whether or not anyone enters either area.
- Players, substitutes and substituted players are cautioned for excessively using the review signal.
- Team officials are cautioned for excessively showing the TV signal for a VAR review.
FAQ
What happens if a player enters the referee review area?
A player who enters the referee review area will be cautioned. The same outcome applies to a substitute, a substituted player, or a team official who enters it.
What is the video operation room?
It is the place where the VAR, the assistant VAR and the replay operator work. It may be in the stadium, close to it, or at a more distant location.
Can a manager go to the VAR screen?
A manager who enters the referee review area is cautioned, as any team official is; for example, a coach who enters it while the referee is carrying out an on-field review is cautioned. A team official who enters the video operation room will be sent off.
Where is the VAR monitor at a football match?
The referee review area must be outside the field of play, in a visible location, and clearly marked.