UEFA will not use VAR for diving like at World Cup
Quick summary
UEFA has confirmed it will not use VAR to review diving incidents, unlike FIFA's approach at the World Cup.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceUefa has told its video assistant referees (VARs) they must not consider potential simulation as mistaken identity, as seen at the 2026 World Cup.
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What happened
UEFA has decided not to follow FIFA's lead in using VAR specifically to review diving/simulation incidents, as was done at the World Cup. The governing body for European football will maintain its current VAR protocol, which focuses on goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity, without adding diving reviews. This decision comes amid ongoing debate about simulation in football and the effectiveness of video technology in policing it.
Chance analysis
UEFA's decision to not expand VAR scope to cover diving has implications for how simulation is policed in European competitions like the Champions League and Europa League. Players and teams who rely on simulation to win penalties or gain advantages will face less technological scrutiny, potentially affecting match outcomes. This policy divergence from FIFA could also create inconsistency between international tournaments and European club competitions.
European competitions will maintain current VAR protocol without diving reviews, meaning simulation policing remains as before with no procedural change.
UEFA matches will continue with current VAR scope; no change to penalty/decision dynamics from diving reviews in Champions League or Europa League.