Knut Kircher calls for 60‑90 second VAR decisions in German football

Knut Kircher, head of the DFB referees' office, said that video‑assistant referee (VAR) interventions should be resolved within 60 to 90 seconds after the review begins. He emphasized that the error and the decision must be identified immediately, and that only one or two review cycles should be needed; additional cycles would undermine clarity.

Kircher also stressed limiting the number of VAR checks to keep the game’s spontaneity and avoid overly microscopic decisions. In a related clarification, he noted that covering a player’s mouth with a hand will attract only a yellow card under FIFA’s three‑step protocol for racist insults, rather than a red card.

The statements were made ahead of the new Bundesliga season as the DFB seeks to streamline video‑assisted officiating.