UEFA eyes VAR overhaul as Rosetti warns of ‘microscopic’ checks

UEFA has signalled a shift in its VAR policy, saying it will step back and put referees back at the centre of the game. The move follows long‑standing criticism and comes after referee chief Roberto Rosetti (58) warned that “microscopic” checks are harming football.

UEFA’s long‑standing VAR concerns

VAR has been a topic of debate for years, and the European (Europese) football governing body UEFA has not escaped that discussion. Fans in ordinary club bars often voice strong opinions, many of them negative.

UEFA‑referee chief (UEFA-scheidsrechterbaas) Roberto Rosetti (58) expressed concern during the launch of the ‘Clear Line’ platform. “We want to take a few steps back and put the referee back at the centre again,” he said.

The ‘Clear Line’ platform is intended to help explain why VAR intervenes or does not intervene in specific situations. It aims to increase transparency for clubs, players and supporters.

Rosetti pushes for a referee‑centric reset

Rosetti stated that there is currently no satisfaction with VAR’s influence on the game. “It is football, not PlayStation. The referee must lead the match,” he added.

He highlighted that the number of interventions is too high, noting an average of 0.47 VAR interventions per Champions League match in the 2025‑2026 season. This figure underlines the frequency of checks.

Rosetti wants to return to basics: referees with character deciding on‑field matters, with VAR stepping in only for clear and obvious errors. He believes this will restore confidence in decisions.

Long VAR checks, especially those exceeding one and a half minutes, erode credibility. “Some checks have nothing to do with football; they concern normal speed and context,” he warned.

Public opinion, reflected in outlets such as and the Google-favorietVraag, often criticises the length and relevance of VAR reviews. These voices add pressure for reform.

In the Belgian league, referee Bram Van Driessche was involved in a VAR intervention, illustrating how the issue spans different competitions. The Dutch word “De” appears in the original commentary, underscoring the multilingual nature of the debate.