Neo Química Arena fitted with semi-automatic offside equipment as CBF steps up rollout | OneFootball

Neo Química Arena has been fitted with equipment to run semi-automatic offside in Brazilian football. According to Meu Timao, the system will be calibrated on site before clearance for official tests in the coming days.

The rollout is gradual. After installation comes image calibration, then unofficial in-game offside tests, with more stadiums to follow. Fibre and cabling are already in place at most venues, which should speed each stage.

The CBF had planned to launch the technology in the first round of the 2026 Brasileiro, as part of a modernisation package announced late in 2025, but installation and operational tweaks were not completed in time, prompting a phased introduction.

There is still no confirmed date for its competitive debut. The system remains in adaptation, with adoption expected during the season but without a set deadline.

Stadium cameras track players and the ball in real time, building a 3D model, pinpointing the pass moment and offside line, then issuing an automatic decision to VAR. Compared with today’s manual lines and pass-frame selection, it automates those steps and the referee validates the outcome.

This week, Couto Pereira is scheduled for installation on Wednesday and Arena da Baixada on the 19th. Arena do Grêmio, Arena MRV and the Mineirão are also among the next venues.

Corinthians host Flamengo at Neo Química Arena on Sunday at 20:30 in round eight of the Brasileiro. Before that, the side led by Dorival Júnior visit Chapecoense at Arena Condá on Thursday at 21:30.

Source: Meu Timao