The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) generates debate week after week across various competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. But what governs the decisions made, and are they accurate?
During this FIFA World Cup, we’ll analyze significant incidents to provide clarity on the VAR protocols and the applicable Laws of the Game.
Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee with over 12 seasons on the premium officiating list, having worked in both the Premier League and Championship. With substantial experience at the highest levels, he has been involved in VAR operations in the Premier League, providing unique perspectives on the procedures, reasoning, and protocols applied during match days.
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
VAR: Bastian Dankert (Germany)
Time: 43 minutes
Incident: Alex Freeman‘s goal confirmed after VAR review following an on-field offside call.
ALEX FREEMAN MAKES IT 2-0 AMERICA! 🇺🇸
The goal is confirmed for the @USMNT after a VAR check! pic.twitter.com/jTGJxaXk52
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
What occurred: USMNT’s Sergiño Dest took a shot from the edge of the box that was blocked and went high into the air. As the ball descended, both Freeman and Folarin Balogun sprinted towards it, with Freeman reaching it first and scoring. However, the linesman raised the flag for offside.
The play was reviewed by VAR, and replays confirmed that Freeman was onside when Dest struck the ball, resulting in the goal being allowed to stand.
Verdict: VAR correctly intervened to overturn the initial on-field decision. The call wasn’t overly challenging in real-time, and it was surprising that the flag was raised in the first place.
Regarding Balogun’s actions, the Australian bench believed he interfered with goalkeeper Patrick Beach, but this was not the case.
An attacker can be deemed to have affected the goalkeeper in two main ways:
- By obstructing the goalkeeper’s line of sight or placing themselves in a position that disrupts the goalkeeper’s ability to assess whether an offside player will become active in play.
- By physically interfering with the goalkeeper’s ability to perform his duties.
In this instance, Balogun did neither, meaning there were no grounds to nullify the goal due to his presence.
Another look at Alex Freeman’s goal for the @USMNT pic.twitter.com/Dg71zHbGox
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026