CBF to introduce Genius Sports’ semi-automated offside technology in 2026
The system aims to enhance the speed, efficiency and accuracy of offside decisions while reducing delays during matches.
The Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) will implement Genius Sports’ semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) across the Brasileiro Série A and Copa do Brasil beginning in 2026, marking one of the most significant officiating upgrades in Brazilian football to date.
The technology, already in use in the Premier League, CONMEBOL competitions and the Belgian Pro League, aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of offside decisions while reducing delays during matches.
The system uses computer-vision cameras installed in stadiums to capture detailed tracking data on players, officials and the ball.
Powered by the company’s GeniusIQ platform, SAOT automatically identifies the kick point, alerts VAR teams and generates a 3D offside render within seconds.
The adoption eliminates the need for manually drawn offside lines and provides broadcast-ready visuals for supporters and officials.
Commenting on the development, CBF President Samir Xaud stated: “We are taking another decisive step in the modernization process of Brazilian football. The arrival of semi-automatic offside is not just a technological innovation, but a concrete measure to increase the accuracy, transparency and credibility of refereeing decisions.
“It is a move aligned with the most advanced practices in the football world, and CBF will continue working to ensure that our competitions are a benchmark in quality and fairness.”
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, added: “To implement our SAOT system with CBF, the most successful federation in FIFA World Cup history, is an incredible validation of Genius Sports’ world-class technology.
“Brazil is a critical market across our entire business, and we’re excited to work alongside CBF to deliver technology that minimizes delays, restores the natural rhythm of the game and empowers officials to make accurate and efficient offside decisions.”
The partnership follows a broader move by CBF to integrate tracking, analysis and officiating tools across top-flight events. Earlier this month, the federation confirmed that Genius Sports will oversee a complete monitoring and data-capture infrastructure, including 24 cameras per stadium and real-time performance tracking systems.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
