The UEFA Referees Committee has officially approved a new procedure for pitchside monitor reviews following Video Assistant Referee (VAR) interventions.

​Operativ Media reports that these rules will apply to both domestic competitions and UEFA-sanctioned international tournaments. According to information on UEFA's official website, the objective is to ensure compliance with a standardized four-stage review procedure, aiding referees and boosting trust in video assistant officials.

​The standard four-stage protocol has been outlined as follows:

​Stage 1 (Offense Identification): The monitored incident must be viewed from the clearest angle that plainly shows the infringement. A freeze-frame may be used if necessary to pinpoint the exact point of contact or key moment. The primary goal is accurate identification of the incident rather than making an immediate decision.

​Stage 2 (Technical Assessment): The referee analyzes the incident close up. Two or three replays shown at half-speed (two times slower than normal) are used to fully track the player's movement and provide a detailed technical evaluation.

​Stage 3 (Assessment of Match Dynamics): After evaluating the technical aspects, the incident is reviewed in dynamic real time. Using two or three replays shown at a wide angle and at normal speed, the referee observes the buildup of the attack, the moment of the challenge, and the subsequent few seconds. This stage allows the referee to assess the intensity of the movement, the impact of the challenge, and other tactical factors.

​Stage 4 (Final Decision): The review process concludes with the display of the most convincing frame that supports the referee's final verdict. This ensures that the decision is grounded in the most compelling and directly relevant video evidence.