UEFA Bars VAR Intervention for Simulation Calls

European football's governing body, UEFA, has clarified the role of VAR in handling potential diving incidents. Referees operating VAR systems have been instructed to refrain from intervening in situations where they suspect a player has simulated a foul, particularly if it could be interpreted as a case of mistaken identity.

This directive marks a distinct approach from practices observed in some other major tournaments, such as the 2026 World Cup. The intention is to streamline decision-making on the field and avoid subjective interpretations of simulation by VAR officials, focusing their use on clear factual errors.

The move seeks to prevent situations where VAR might be used to punish players for trying to deceive referees with dives, a tactic that has proven controversial in the past. UEFA's guidance emphasizes that VAR interventions should remain limited to objective factual assessments rather than subjective judgments on player intent.