CBF to Test Semi-Automatic Offside Tech Again in Brasileirão

What Is Happening?

The CBF (that’s the Brazilian football federation) is going to try out a special offside-checking system again. They will run this test during three matches in round 19 of the Brasileirão (Brazil’s top football league) on Friday.

• The tests are offline, meaning they won’t change any decisions made in the actual game.
• This info comes from Globo.com.

How Will Decisions Be Made?

Even with the test running, the real calls on the field will still be made the old way:

• The existing VAR (Video Assistant Referee) used in Série A will keep making the decisions.
• The new system is called SAOT (Semi-Automatic Offside Technology). It helps VAR by:
  • Using cameras to follow players and the ball
  • Finding the exact moment a pass is made
  • Showing player positions in just a few seconds
  • This is the same kind of tech people saw at the World Cup

Important: The SAOT is only a helper for VAR right now. It is not making the final calls yet.

When Will SAOT Officially Start?

The CBF wants SAOT to officially begin in round 20 of the league.

• They are doing these tests before the big debut.
• Right now, only a pre-selected group of referees can access and use the system during this testing phase.

The Fluminense v Bragantino Test

One of the test matches is Fluminense vs Bragantino. Here’s how that one works:

• No one will operate the SAOT system inside the Maracanã stadium’s VAR room.
• The equipment will still record pictures from inside the stadium.
• The watching and checking will happen at the CBF’s annex in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.

Why Is This Not So Simple?

Putting SAOT in place is more than just adding cameras.

• It has to work together with the current VAR system.
• It must pass connectivity checks (making sure everything is properly linked and talking to each other).
• The CBF will also test SAOT in under-17 and under-20 matches before using it everywhere.

What Could Go Wrong?

Some real-world stuff can mess with how well SAOT works:

• Strong winds
• The position of the sun

Once each Série A stadium’s unique conditions are sorted out, the tool will be fully added to VAR.

Important: Weather and sunlight can affect the system’s performance, so each venue needs its own adjustments.

Summary

The CBF is testing semi-automatic offside technology (SAOT) in three Brasileirão round 19 matches on Friday. The tests are offline and won’t affect real decisions, which stay with VAR. SAOT tracks players and the ball with cameras to help referees, like at the World Cup. A full debut is planned for round 20, but only a select referee group can use it now. Tests include Fluminense v Bragantino (monitored remotely) and youth matches. Setup is complex and needs VAR integration, connectivity checks, and handling weather like wind and sun.

FAQ

What does SAOT stand for?

SAOT means Semi-Automatic Offside Technology. It’s a camera system that helps refs see offside moments faster.

Will the test change any match results?

No. The tests are offline, so the existing VAR still makes all the real decisions.

Why test in youth matches too?

Because the CBF wants to check the system in different games before using it across the whole top league.

Can weather really break the system?

Strong wind and sun position can affect how well it works, so each stadium needs to be set up carefully.