UEFA ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO RANGERS’ VAR CLAIMS
In the wake of Athletic Bilbao’s 2–0 victory over Rangers in their Europa League quarter‑final second leg, Rangers officials took to social media proclaiming they had been “robbed by VAR” and declaring, “we meet next season” .
A UEFA spokesperson swiftly pushed back, emphasising that the Video Assistant Referee system was applied in full accordance with the established protocol. UEFA’s official guidance makes clear that “the referee was then informed by the VAR that following the check no clear and obvious error had occurred and that there was no ground for a VAR intervention or on‑field review”  .
Those regulations, drawn up by the International Football Association Board and enforced by UEFA, state explicitly:
“The original decision given by the referee will not be changed unless the video review clearly shows that the decision was a ‘clear and obvious error’.”
They further confirm that only the on‑field referee can initiate an on‑field review, ensuring that video officials do not override the referee’s judgment without incontrovertible evidence .
In its statement, UEFA also reassured clubs and supporters that a comprehensive refereeing report will be published, detailing every step of the VAR process in this fixture. While Rangers have vowed to regroup for next season, UEFA insists that its officiating protocols remain impartial, transparent, and designed to preserve the integrity of European competition.
