VAR in the UEFA Champions League: how does it work? Rules explained

For the sixth time, the video-assistant-referee (VAR) system will be used in a Champions League final today. VAR was first used in a Champions League final in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in 2019, having been introduced in Europe’s premier club competition at the start of that season’s knockout stages.

During Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid’s clash at Wembley Stadium today, on-field referee Slavko Vincic will be supported by video assistant Nejc Kajtazovic, while Rade Obrenovic will be the assistant VAR and Massimiliano Irrati will be the VAR support.

How does VAR work?

The VAR system is there to look at what UEFA describes as “match-changing” incidents, with a focus on four scenarios: goals, incidents in the penalty area, red cards and mistaken identity. VAR is only there to alert the on-field referee to “clear and obvious” mistakes, UEFA says.

For example, if a goal has been scored, the video assistants will check whether the strike should be disallowed for offside by the scorer, or by another attacking player earlier in the build-up. Other things they need to look for include any fouls by the attacking team and, potentially, whether the ball went out of play during the move that led to the goal.

If the officials in the video booth believe a major error has been made, they can ask the on-field referee to go over to the pitchside monitor to re-watch the incident. When it comes to factual, interpretation-free decisions such as offsides, though, VAR will just tell the referee what has happened, without the need for a pitchside review.

Additional 3D tool for offsides

Since the 2022/23 Champions League season, video assistants have been provided with semi-automated 3D technology, known as the SOAT system, to help them make offside decisions more quickly.

Goal-line technology also in use

During today’s Champions League final, the on-field match officials will also have goal-line technology, which has been used in the competition since the 2016/17. They will each be wearing watches which will let them know whether or not to award a goal in situations where it is unclear whether or not the ball has crossed the line.

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid: start time, how to watch

Dortmund and Madrid meet in the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley today, Saturday 1 June 2024. Kick-off in London is scheduled for 8pm local time, which in the US translates to a 3pm ET/12 noon PT start. Viewers in the States can watch the game on CBS, Univisión, TUDN USA, Paramount+ and ViX.