UEFA to meet with European leagues to discuss VAR rule changes

UEFA has invited European leagues for a meeting to discuss the use of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, according to The Athletic.

The meeting is expected to take place after the upcoming World Cup tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The European governing body wants to find a less intrusive approach by the system.

There have been delays and pauses due to VAR checks in recent seasons, which players, managers and supporters have complained are disrupting the game.

UEFA wants to implement a more balanced approach that keeps the technology useful without letting it take over the flow of the game.

The governing body also wants to ensure that major leagues such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Serie A share similar rules to establish a recognised standard across Europe.

This comes despite the recent rule changes approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which allow VAR to review more situations, including corners and second yellow cards. 

UEFA has always been cautious about giving VAR more power, with refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti suggesting that limiting the technology’s jurisdiction would serve the game better.

Meanwhile, UEFA is also planning on experimenting with a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform in a smaller market.

Inspired by the Premier League, the European governing body is exploring new ways to reach fans beyond traditional television.

The English top flight recently announced plans to launch a joint venture called Premier League+ with Singaporean broadcast partner StarHub from the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

Similar deals also exist in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, and UEFA is now looking to join the bandwagon.

UEFA currently sells its media rights through UC3 – a joint venture with European Football Clubs (EFC). 

It has already secured long-term deals for its club competitions across the top five leagues as well as in Japan and the Netherlands.