Brasileirão to launch semi-automated offside on Saturday as CBF studies 2027 tech | OneFootball

Semi-automated offside will debut in Brazil’s top flight on Saturday, with the CBF also evaluating further officiating technologies for 2027.

According to Globo.com, the VAR add-on will be used from round 20, the start of the second half of the Série A season.

The first matches to use it are Santos v Chapecoense at Vila Belmiro, Athletico v Internacional at Arena da Baixada, and Vasco v Mirassol at São Januário.

The federation also intends to take the system into later rounds of the Copa do Brasil.

'Refcam' is a camera that follows the referee throughout the match, widely seen at the last World Cup. The goal-line option under review differs from FIFA’s ball‑chip model, using dedicated cameras that segment the goal line and communicate directly to the referee to confirm whether the ball crossed.

Both technologies remain under study, with a prospect of adding to the officials’ toolkit.

In 2026, the CBF began a programme with 72 referees on employment contracts and earmarked R$ 195 million for officiating over two years. Total spend across this season and 2027 is close to R$ 200 million, up R$ 50 million on 2024/2025.

Source: Globo.com