VAR checks and reviews: why can some incidents be reviewed?
CBF announced adoption of the new rules in August 2026; an incorrect second caution differs from a missed one.
Play continuing without a pause does not mean there was no check: under IFAB’s protocol, VAR automatically checks relevant situations. Only the referee initiates a review; VAR can recommend one, and the referee makes the final decision, with or without an on-field monitor review.
The 2025/26 protocol primarily covers goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity for clear errors or serious missed incidents. It is not a review of every contact.
In 2026/27, a clearly incorrect second caution resulting in a red card can be reviewed. That differs from a possible second-caution offence that was missed: the omission alone does not create that review opportunity.
The 2026/27 protocol also lets competitions opt to correct a clearly incorrectly awarded corner if it can be changed immediately without delaying the restart. This option is not mandatory in every competition.
In its August 10, 2026 announcement, CBF said the new rules would be adopted immediately in competitions including Brazil’s Série A and B. The list includes review of a second yellow resulting in a sending-off; IFAB limits that review to a caution already shown and clearly incorrect.
The same CBF announcement placed VAR correction of an incorrectly awarded corner in 2027. Assessing a specific incident requires the applicable rule and complete footage.
