Série A Begins Using Semi‑Automated Offside System

Overview

• The system began operating across Campeonato Brasileiro Série A matches on July 25, 2026 and was used in every fixture that round to assist VAR teams.
• It uses dozens of high‑frame‑rate stadium cameras to track players and the ball, automatically recommending a point of touch and generating a 3D visualization for VAR review.
• The technology is explicitly semiautomatic: VAR operators validate the computer’s reconstruction and make the final ruling, with a human fallback if the system fails.
• The supplier — the same company used in the Premier League, Belgium and Mexico — cites prior data from 65 stadiums and 6,903 decisions showing an average 33% cut in decision time, though that figure comes from earlier deployments, not Brazilian matches.
• Reports differ on whether Brazil’s rollout uses a chip inside the ball; stadium upgrades, operator training and test matches were completed before launch, and broadcasters will show the reconstructions to increase transparency.