UEFA’s Roberto Rosetti has ordered referees to move away from microscopic VAR reviews and prioritize player safety and match flow during the high-stakes Champions League knockout stages.
UEFA refereeing director Roberto Rosetti has issued a stern warning against “microscopic” VAR interventions ahead of the Champions League knockout phase.
Speaking at the UEFA Congress, Rosetti emphasized that technology was introduced solely to correct clear and obvious errors, noting that over-analyzing subjective details slows the game down unnecessarily.
“We cannot go in this direction of microscopic VAR interventions. We love football like it is,” Rosetti asserted, urging officials to protect the game’s natural intensity.
Beyond technology, player safety remains UEFA’s absolute priority for the remainder of the season.
Rosetti highlighted that half of all serious foul play incidents occur near technical areas, instructing referees to be “strict” and act firmly against challenges that endanger opponents.
To further improve on-field conduct, the captain-referee communication protocol will be strictly enforced to reduce the mobbing of officials, ensuring only team captains approach for explanations on key decisions.
The directive also targets the rising trend of player exaggeration and the need for a unified “technical language” regarding handball interpretations across Europe.
To celebrate excellence, UEFA has introduced new Referee Awards to recognize top officials.
As the knockout rounds begin, the message to the refereeing community is clear: prioritize player safety, maintain match flow, and use VAR only as a safety net for significant mistakes.