CBF Tests Semi-Automated Offside Technology in Brazilian U-17 Championship
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has taken a significant step towards implementing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) by sending an official letter to clubs and state federations involved in the Brazilian Série A Championship. This letter, dated last Thursday, requests the use of Série A stadiums for the upcoming rounds 7 and 8 of the Brazilian U-17 Championship. The goal is to conduct final validation tests of the SAOT under real match conditions.
These tests will assess various aspects of the technology, including internet signals, hardware validation, network connectivity with cameras, calibration, and overall system performance during matches. By utilizing the stadiums of the Série A, the CBF aims to ensure that the technology operates effectively in a live environment.
Júlio Avellar, CBF’s Competitions Director, highlighted the significance of this technology for Brazilian football. He stated, "The implementation of semi-automated offside technology will be a major qualitative leap for football in Brazil. Before putting it into operation in the Brazilian Série A Championship, the CBF chose to go through every validation stage rigorously — installation, calibration, and testing under real match conditions — precisely because we understand that a technology of this magnitude needs to reach the field with absolute security and reliability."
The CBF has invested approximately 25 million reais into this project, which aims to align Brazilian football with the standards of top global competitions. Avellar noted that this investment is part of a broader commitment to enhance transparency in officiating and ensure fairness in the sport.
With the technological support of Genius Sports, the CBF has been working on the installation of SAOT across all designated stadiums in the Série A Championship. This technology, already in use in UEFA and FIFA competitions, is expected to improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions and reinforce the integrity of the game. The CBF's proactive approach reflects its dedication to advancing Brazilian football and providing fans and clubs with greater confidence in officiating decisions.
