Reports have confirmed that UEFA will make key rule changes governing VAR ahead of a new season in the Champions League and other tournaments in Europe’
UEFA has introduced a series of important Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rule changes ahead of the start of the new Champions League season, including a major clarification on mistaken identity reviews and a decision to reject FIFA’s controversial mouth-covering red card rule.
The changes come after several debated incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where FIFA adopted an expanded interpretation of the VAR protocol.
UEFA rejects simulation as mistaken identity
One of the biggest changes concerns how VAR officials will handle cases of mistaken identity.
While the International Football Association Board (IFAB) amended the VAR protocol this summer to allow officials to correct yellow and red cards issued to the wrong player, UEFA has instructed its VAR teams not to treat simulation (diving) as mistaken identity.
The clarification follows two high-profile incidents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the group stage, USA defender Tim Ream was initially booked for a challenge before VAR intervened, overturning the caution and instead booking Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón for simulation.
The rule was used again in Switzerland’s quarter-final against Argentina, where Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card after VAR ruled he had initiated contact rather than being fouled. The Swiss striker was sent off, with Argentina eventually winning 3-1 after extra time.
Although the decisions were praised by some fans for tackling diving, several domestic leagues expressed concerns that the interpretation could lead to confusion and significantly expand VAR’s role.
UEFA believes mistaken identity should only apply to factual cases where the referee has identified the wrong player, not subjective decisions over whether a foul or simulation occurred.
Under UEFA’s guidance, referees would still need to review incidents involving simulation on the pitch rather than allowing VAR to reclassify them automatically.
No mouth-covering red cards in UEFA competitions
UEFA has also confirmed it will not adopt FIFA’s optional law allowing players to be sent off for covering their mouths during confrontations.
The rule, introduced ahead of the 2026 World Cup at the initiative of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, was intended to discourage abusive language by preventing players from hiding what they say.
The law resulted in red cards for Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié during the tournament following VAR reviews.
However, UEFA has decided against using the measure in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Instead, referees will assess each situation individually and may issue a yellow card if covering the mouth is deemed unsporting behaviour. Any allegations of abusive language will continue to be handled through UEFA’s disciplinary process after the match.
Incorrect corner decisions to be reviewed
UEFA will, however, adopt another World Cup innovation by allowing VAR to intervene when an incorrect corner kick has been awarded.
Unlike FIFA’s approach, UEFA’s reviews will only determine whether the final touch before the ball went out of play was correct. Officials will not examine potential offsides or earlier phases in the attacking move.
The new guidance aims to improve decision-making while limiting unnecessary VAR intervention.
The governing body is expected to discuss the updated VAR protocols further at a summit involving head referees from its 54 member associations next week.
UEFA hopes the revised guidance will provide greater consistency across European competitions while avoiding the controversies seen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read the Latest on the 2026 World Cup and Get Fresh updates as they drop via X and Facebook.
By
