VAR and SAOT technology integration | OneFootball

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has begun another stage in the implementation of semi-automated offside in Brazilian football. At this moment, referees are focusing their activities on integrating VAR (video assistant referee) with semi-automated technology (SAOT). This work is being carried out at the VAR Center in Rio de Janeiro.

The integration between VAR and SAOT is part of the final stretch of implementing semi-automated offside in Brazilian football. Starting in the second half of this year, the technology will be used in Série A and the Copa do Brasil. CBF Refereeing Committee Director Netto Goes celebrated another stage completed in this process.

“All stages are being completed so that we can make good use of the technology. At this moment, referees and assistant referees are becoming familiar with the entire concept and operation of the project, including professionals who will not be in contact with the technology at this time. But the CBF insists on training all referees on the officiating roster, as well as the entire technical staff,” said Netto Góes.

The integration between VAR and SAOT is part of the final stretch of implementing semi-automated offsideCredits: Fábio Souza/ CBF

Péricles Bassols, VAR Technical Manager, assessed the process and highlighted the importance of this moment of integration between the technologies.

"This is a moment when we have to put referees through this training, through the procedures and processes of an offside action in a real-game setting. We are in the simulator phase, so these are simulated clips of offside situations where we rehearse the possible offside scenarios that will happen in matches. It is a moment of integration between the technologies, but one that we also use to bring referees up to speed on the procedures and processes that will be necessary on match day, under pressure," said Péricles Bassols.

Péricles Bassols, VAR Technical Manager, highlighted the importance of this moment of integration between the technologiesCredits: Samara Moumei/ CBF

With technological support from Genius Sports, the company hired to implement semi-automated offside, the CBF has been overseeing the installation in all stadiums designated by the clubs in the Brazilian Championship’s Série A. This technology, the same one used in the leagues of England, Germany, Belgium, and Mexico, with an investment by the CBF of around 25 million reais, aims to increase transparency, ensure greater accuracy in on-field refereeing decisions, and reinforce sporting fairness.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.