Explained in plain English

What is VAR?

VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, is a system where officials review controversial moments using video replays. It's meant to correct 'clear and obvious errors' like disallowed goals or penalty decisions, exactly the kind of incidents Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan complained about, believing they went against his team.

Stories that explain this

Egypt coach claims World Cup is rigged for Argentina

Questions this opens up

How does VAR work? When did VAR start? Does VAR make mistakes?

This explainer came from a news story

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