CBF rolls out semi‑automatic offside system in Brasileirão

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that the semi‑automatic off‑side technology (SAOT) will be deployed in the 2026 Série A from the 20th round, beginning on 25 July. The first matches using the system are Athletico‑PR vs Internacional at the Arena da Baixada and Santos vs Chapecoense at Vila Belmiro. The technology, supplied by Genius Sports (GeniusIQ), has been installed in 20 stadiums – the 19 regular Série A venues plus the Arena Barueri used by Palmeiras when required. Each venue hosts 28‑32 high‑definition cameras and five local servers that transmit data in real time to the CBF’s VAR Operations Centre in Rio de Janeiro, which runs ten integrated control rooms. The system creates a 3D reconstruction of each play to pinpoint the exact moment of a pass and the players’ positions, aiming to cut off‑side decision time by about a third and improve accuracy. The final ruling remains with the VAR officials. CBF president Samir Xaud and arbitration director Netto Góes highlighted the rollout as a major step toward greater transparency and fairness in Brazilian football.