All referee decisions made with the help of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be explained in real-time on the pitch and to viewers during Euro 2024, according to a statement from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Roberto Rosetti, the head of UEFA's referee committee, announced this during a press conference on Wednesday to present the officiating system planned for the continental tournament. He stated that all situations involving VAR intervention will be broadcast on the pitch.
He added, "After video assistance, the technical explanation for the decision will be shown on the large screens in the stadiums," explaining, "For example: A penalty due to a handball. Player number 9 from Germany handled the ball with his left hand, which was in an unnatural position, above his shoulder, and he expanded his body."
The same technical announcement will be available to match commentators so they can explain it to viewers. Rosetti continued, "I believe the VAR is a great tool, and we will not go back," clarifying that the goal is "to reduce the number of VAR interventions, but if there is a clear image that can prove an obvious mistake, we can thank VAR."
Moreover, Rosetti reiterated that the only dialogue allowed to explain decisions will be between the referee and the team captain. Any player disputing a decision or requesting an explanation will be penalized with a yellow card. This rule has been implemented in the final matches of the three continental competitions, resulting in two yellow cards in the Champions League final, the same amount in the Europa League final, and one yellow card in the Conference League final.
Rosetti concluded, "We are doing this for the future generations; we are not doing it for the referees but for football and the image of the game, for young players and young referees," urging players to avoid any protests and let the captain discuss with the referee. For teams where the goalkeeper wears the captain’s armband (Italy and Slovenia), a player will be appointed before the match to represent the goalkeeper during the game.
