UEFA has clarified its stance on VAR reviews, stating that the new mistaken identity law won't be used to punish diving or simulation.The decision comes after concerns about how the VAR protocol was applied during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) introduced changes allowing VAR to intervene when a referee wrongly identifies a player, but UEFA now says mistaken identity is a factual decision that doesn't require on-field review.Instead, simulation cases need referee consultation with the pitchside monitor.This ruling affects upcoming European competitions and could influence domestic leagues.The move aims to prevent misuse of VAR in situations where players are wrongly booked.Key examples from the World Cup included Tim Ream's initial yellow card being rescinded and Breel Embolo's red card after VAR review.UEFA's referees will discuss this further next week, with domestic leagues likely to follow suit.