Arena da Baixada hosted first semi-automated offside test on Sunday (12)

Arena da Baixada hosted first semi-automated offside test on Sunday (12)

With semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) now installed in more than half of the stadiums used in the Brasileirão, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Genius, which oversees the system’s installation in Brazilian football, have begun the testing phase at some venues. Last Sunday (12), Arena da Baixada, during the Athletico x Chapecoense match, underwent the first test of the equipment.

At Arena da Baixada, the operation yielded positive results, with live camera adjustments that will be corrected for the next operation.

“We have moved on to a new phase, in which we carry out tests during matches. But it is important to remember that this work is not limited to what happens on the field. The test covers the entire process, such as camera positioning, equipment calibration, the live operation of the technology, and other items. Afterwards, we internally assess the entire process for a new testing phase so that the whole operation can take place without errors,” said Guilherme Buso, responsible for Genius’s operations in Latin America.

In addition to Arena da Baixada, two other stadiums have already undergone tests during Brazilian Championship matches and other competitions: Maracanã and Neo Química Arena. Next Sunday (19), Beira-Rio will host the CBF Refereeing Working Group and Genius for adjustment work during the match against Chapecoense.

“We are making steady progress in implementing semi-automated offside tests in Brazilian football. This is a process that requires responsibility, careful judgment and, above all, technical rigor. The testing stage is essential to ensure safety, reliability and fairness in the use of the technology on the field. More than validating the system, we are taking this moment to fully integrate the tool with the VAR Center, ensuring that all operational flows are fully aligned,” said Netto Goés, CBF’s Director of Refereeing. Netto also highlighted the work that will begin with referees in the process of using the technology.

“We will begin the training process for our referees and officiating teams, focusing on the proper use of the technology, respecting the protocols and ensuring increasingly accurate and transparent decisions. It is also important to highlight that we will give broad visibility to these actions. We believe that transparency and dialogue with the press are essential for the continuous improvement of the protocol, allowing everyone involved to understand how it works and contribute to the development of the system,” Góes added.

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