The CBF has determined that Brazilian Serie A matches can only be held in stadiums equipped with semi-automated offside technology, aiming for greater technical precision.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has taken an important step toward modernizing the national game. The governing body has established that, effective immediately, Brazilian Serie A matches will only be permitted in stadiums equipped with semi-automated offside technology. The rule mandates that if clubs need to host their games away from their usual home grounds, they must select venues that already have the system installed and fully operational.
The decision directly impacts the planning of several teams. Palmeiras, for example, which frequently uses Arena Barueri as an alternative to Allianz Parque, had to invest in the installation of the technology at the stadium to continue complying with the organization’s requirements. Currently, 19 Brazilian stadiums are already adapted to the innovation, with MorumBIS and Mineirão being the most recent additions to the list.
Operational improvement and the future of VAR
Behind the scenes, the CBF is working in conjunction with the company Genius Sports to ensure the implementation goes smoothly. The current focus is on the final training stage for professionals operating the VAR (Video Assistant Referee), ensuring that the use of semi-automated offside technology is standardized and efficient across all venues.
Although the measure regarding infrastructure requirements is already in effect, the highest authority in Brazilian soccer has not yet set a definitive date for the full operation of the technology in all matches of the competition. The expectation is that, as testing advances, the system will provide more agility and precision to officiating, reducing margins of error in crucial offside calls during the Brasileirão.
