VAR to be used in Champions League and Europa League knockout stages this season as UEFA brings forward introduction of video referees
- UEFA has made the decision to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to Champions League and Europa League this season
- The video technology will be available in the knockout stages from February
- European governing body has introduced the technology earlier than planned
- It will also be used in next summer’s Nations League finals in Portugal
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) technology will be used in the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League and Europa League competitions.
European football’s governing body confirmed the move following the meeting of its executive committee in Dublin.
VAR will also be used at next summer’s Nations League Finals – which will feature England as well as Portugal, Holland and Switzerland.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be introduced in the knockout stages of the Champions League and Europa League later this season
A referee uses the video screen to review a decision during the Besiktas vs Galatasaray match
VAR is already in use in a number of European leagues and was used at the last World Cup
The Champions League last 16 gets under way in February next year.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: ‘We are ready to use VAR earlier than initially planned and we are convinced that it will be beneficial for our competitions as it will provide valuable help to match officials and will allow to reduce incorrect decisions.’