UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
Attacking offences
Clear Line

Attacking offences

The term attacking possession phase (APP) refers to the period when the attacking team is in possession of the ball, immediately before a goal, penalty, red card given for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO) or a second yellow card for stopping a promising attack (SPA). We examine what referees must consider in their decision-making, and where VAR should intervene if required.
Overview Offside Foul / handball Foul before ball in play Overview Offside Foul / handball Foul before ball in play

Every attacking phase is made up of a series of actions – and decisions – that may influence the outcome of an incident.

When a goal is scored, a penalty awarded, or a disciplinary sanction issued, referees and VARs may need to review what happened earlier in the attacking phase of play.

Basic principles for decision-making:

  • VAR should check whether any infringement occurred before the referee awards a goal, penalty or red card (DOGSO or second yellow card for SPA).
  • VAR should review the build-up to the incident and how the attacking team gained possession of the ball.
  • VAR may only review incidents that occur within the APP and cannot intervene for offences that took place before the APP began.
  • VAR should not intervene if an incident occurred within the APP but the available footage does not clearly show that an offence occurred.

This section explains the main types of incidents considered during reviews and the principles used to assess them. Through video examples, it shows when an offence has had a sufficient impact on the outcome to require a VAR intervention or when play should be allowed to continue.

Explore the relevant sections to find out more about:

  • How offside offences are evaluated
  • When fouls and handballs by the attacking team become reviewable
  • How offences committed before the ball is in play may affect a subsequent match-changing incident

Back to Clear Line