UEFA Introduces ‘Clear Line’ Video Library to Enhance Refereeing Standards
UEFA has unveiled a new refereeing video library named Clear Line, aimed at fostering greater consistency in officiating across Europe. Roberto Rosetti, UEFA referees’ chief, emphasized the importance of maintaining the referee’s role during matches and highlighted the intent to avoid “microscopic situations” within the game.
This initiative promises to assist not only officials but also players, coaches, and fans with clearer guidelines on decision-making. The open access to this resource is expected to shed light on the application of the Laws of the Game throughout Europe.
“This is called Clear Line and can be accessed via the UEFA website,” Rosetti stated. He acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction concerning VAR’s influence on the sport and expressed a desire to minimize discussions over minute infractions. He reminded that “football is not PlayStation” and stressed the crucial nature of context in officiating.
Rosetti reiterated that “the referee must referee the match,” pointing out that maintaining clarity on evident mistakes is vital for the game. His comments suggest a move towards limiting the number of On-Field Reviews (OFR) during matches to enhance the flow and spirit of the game.
He mentioned a desire to return to the fundamental principles of VAR, reinforcing the authority of referees in the field. “We are seeking to improve the connection between officiating and the actual flow of football,” Rosetti noted, referring to the tendency for replays to exaggerate incidents.
Furthermore, Rosetti has confirmed that several VAR protocol updates for the upcoming 2026 World Cup will also be implemented in club competition. These include correcting incorrect second yellow card situations, swiftly adjusting incorrect corners, and ensuring that players do not exceed ten seconds during substitutions.
Some protocols are more complicated, particularly the interpretation of ‘mistaken identity,’ which has varied significantly in the past. “VAR can intervene for the first yellow card in cases of mistaken identity,” Rosetti explained, specifying scenarios where a foul may have been mistakenly attributed to the wrong player.
The proposal to enforce an automatic red card for players who cover their mouths in confrontational situations has been discarded, allowing referees more discretion in addressing provocation during matches.
As UEFA present a new refereeing video library called Clear Line to improve consistency, Roberto Rosetti explains ‘the referee must referee the match’ and VAR avoid ‘microscopic situations.’
This announcement is a big step forward in not only helping officials to have clearer guidelines on decisions, but also players, coaches and fans.
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The open access to this guidance should help everyone understand how and when the Laws of the Game are applied consistently across Europe.
Rosetti presents new UEFA and IFAB project
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Alex Marangon Donieber Doni of AS Roma reacts with the Referee Roberto Rosetti during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 18, 2009 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“It is called Clear Line, and can be accessed via the UEFA website,” explained UEFA referees’ chief and former Serie A referee Rosetti.
“We realise that everywhere now there is not any satisfaction about how VAR is impacting football. So we want to avoid microscopic situations. The context is super important. It’s football, not PlayStation. We need to be very, very careful.
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“The referee must referee the match. It’s something important for football, for clear situations and clear mistakes.”
This means clamping down on the number of VAR On-Field Reviews per game.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We wanted to come back to the origin of VAR,” added Rosetti. “We want to try to come back a little bit, and to put again the referees at the centre.”
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Some challenges can look considerably worse when slowed down and zoomed in, leading to more harsh penalties and cards.
“We like referees with personality, taking decisions on the pitch, and VAR intervening only for clear and obvious situations. So clear images without too many replays. It is something that for us is very important.
“We were seeing that some on-field reviews were not connected with football. It’s about normal speed, context. It’s about football.”
Meanwhile, Rosetti also confirmed some of the updates for the VAR protocol in the 2026 World Cup will be carried on to the regular season at club level.
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Those are VAR helping to overturn an incorrect second yellow card situation, moving quickly to change incorrect corners, and forcing a player to stay off the field for one minute if he takes longer than 10 seconds to complete a substitution.
There were some changes that are a little trickier, as VAR interpretation of ‘mistaken identity’ can vary wildly.
“VAR can intervene for a first yellow card in case of mistaken identity: if for example a step on foot is sanctioned and not real, seeing as it was a different player compared to the one the referee pointed at, it can be revoked. Or in the penalty area for simulation.”
The introduction of an automatic red card if a player covers his mouth when in a confrontational situation is also being scrapped.
“The referee could give a yellow card, it is their discretion in these matters. If the referee senses provocation or worse, then there can be a booking.”
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