One of the more controversial points of the use of VAR in the 2019/20 season has been the definition of handball, and referees have made a fresh attempt to clarify the rule.
The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) hope to bring fans closer to understanding why officials have made decisions, both on the pitch and through the use of VAR.
"When VAR intervenes, it's very reliable," Velasco Carballo, president of the CTA, confirmed.
"The Spanish VAR is very well respected across the world, it brings justice and fairness.
"All plays are checked, but another thing is for the VAR to signal to the on-pitch referee, which only happens if it's a very clear incident."
VAR can only be applied in the following cases:
1. Goals
2. Red Cards
3. Penalties
4. Mistaken identity
Carballo went on to discuss the intricacies of the handball rule and gave a list of just what constitutes a handball offence.
Handball should be given
- If the hand motion is intentional.
- If the hand is in an unnatural position.
- If the hand is above shoulder height.
- If the attacker who scores a goal or immediately generates a goalscoring chance touches the ball with his hand (even if it's from an accidental bounce).
Handball shouldn't be given
- If the ball is played directly at the player's hand.
- The hand/arm is in a natural position.
- The hand/arm is hidden behind the body.