Overview
- CBF officials said the semi-automated offside system will not be used in the opening round of the 2026 Série A and no new start date has been set.
- The rollout awaits remaining stadium inspections, equipment installation and match tests, with the goal of supporting all 10 fixtures in a round simultaneously.
- Sixteen venues have been inspected so far, with additional visits scheduled, and the Genius system requires roughly 30 iPhone 16 Pro or 17 Pro devices per stadium to create 4K, 100 fps tracking.
- Separately, all 20 clubs have been called to 45-minute technical sessions from January 21–25 covering rule updates, disciplinary procedures and an overview of the offside technology, with certified instructors and logistics set by each club.
- The arbitration commission also outlined a pilot plan to professionalize referees, including promotions for more than 200 officials and a proposed National Referees School, with the current national pool at 927 professionals and 734 active on-field or as assistants.