Video support: insights and opinions on the tool used in the Copa Paulista | OneFootball

The 2025 Copa Paulista brought a new feature to Brazilian football: the Video Support system. The tool began to be used in the semifinals and is also present in the final, between Primavera and XV de Piracicaba. Gazeta Esportiva was at Moisés Lucarelli this Sunday and closely followed the system.

Video Support booth (Photo: Rodrigo Matuck/Gazeta Press)

The Video Support was used only once, already in the final stretch of the second half. The coach of XV de Piracicaba, Moisés Egert, requested a challenge for a possible penalty. He then handed a card to the fourth official, who called the main referee to review the play.

Unlike VAR, which is used in the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores, there is no video assistant referee. The field referee does not communicate with anyone except the fourth official. He simply receives the footage on the video and decides what to call.

Screen where the referee reviews plays on Video Support (Photo: Rodrigo Matuck/Gazeta Press)

Gabriel Henrique Meira Bispo (SP), responsible for refereeing the first leg of the final, determined that there was no penalty in the play questioned by XV de Piracicaba and called nothing. The visiting team's coach himself acknowledged that there was nothing. Thus, the match ended 1-0 for Primavera.

Challenge Cards

Each club receives two challenge cards to use over the 90 minutes. If the initial decision is overturned, the fourth official returns the review request card. However, if the initial decision is upheld, the card is not returned.

The challenge can be requested in cases of goal or no goal, penalty or no penalty, direct red card, and mistaken identity. The official responsible formalizes the request by twirling their finger in the air or handing the review card to the fourth official before play resumes.

Card given to clubs to request a challenge (Photo: Rodrigo Matuck/Gazeta Press)

Coaches' Opinions

Both Primavera's coach, Fernando Marchiori, and XV de Piracicaba's coach, Moisés Egert, are enjoying the new tool.

“I'm in favor. I'm in favor of technology, that the coach can review the play and, if there's a mistake, he can correct it. I want VAR, but I believe this video challenge, which is more reactive, makes the game flow better. It's working and I believe it will work. It was used today, but it really wasn't a penalty,” said Egert.

“I believe it's a good thing (VAR). It's great. The federation got it right. The game becomes more dynamic, practical, and faster. Over time, you'll need more camera angles for greater agility. Today it was quick, simple, and clear. If it's to gain dynamism, speed, and have more playing time, it's very worthwhile. Little by little, you also have to educate the players because the information has to be very accurate. Many times you're far away and can't see. That's very important. If you're going to request it but it wasn't, why waste it?” said Marchiori.

Questions and Answers about Video Support

Is the video challenge the same as VAR?

Does refereeing review plays without coaches' requests?

Is there a Video Assistant Referee?

When can the Challenge be requested?

Who can officially request the Video Challenge?

How is the request made official?

Can a player request the Video Challenge?

How many requests does each team have?

Are there offside lines?

If there is a technology failure, does the game continue or is it stopped?

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