The Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) has officially selected Genius Sports as its exclusive technology partner to implement Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) across Brazil’s top football competitions.
Starting in 2026, this revolutionary system will be deployed in the Brasileirão Série A and the Copa do Brasil, marking a transformative step in the modernization of refereeing in one of the world’s most passionate football nations.
Powered by the cutting-edge GeniusIQ platform, the SAOT system utilizes advanced mesh-tracking data captured by computer-vision cameras installed in every first-division stadium.
These high-specification cameras track players’ limbs and the ball with pinpoint accuracy in real-time. By automatically detecting the exact moment of a kick and generating precise 3D animations, the system eliminates the delays and subjectivity associated with manual offside lines.
This allows for instant alerts to be sent to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operators, ensuring faster and more accurate decision-making.
This partnership catapults Brazil into an elite group of football ecosystems leveraging high-precision automated technology, joining the ranks of the Premier League and the Copa Libertadores.
For the CBF, the move is not just technological but cultural, aiming to enhance transparency and credibility in a sport that is central to Brazilian national identity. The system also produces broadcast-ready graphics in seconds, improving the viewing experience for millions of fans.
Genius Sports views the deal as a major validation of its technology. Implementing SAOT for the most successful federation in World Cup history underscores the company’s leadership in sports data and integrity solutions.
Installation and rigorous testing are scheduled to take place across all venues ahead of the 2026 season launch, ensuring a seamless integration that preserves the natural flow of the game while minimizing human error.
Samir Xaud, President of the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol:
“We are taking another step into modernizing Brazilian football. The arrival of semi-automated offside is not only an innovation but a concrete measure to enhance precision, transparency, and credibility in refereeing decisions. This move aligns Brazil with the most advanced practices in global football.”
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports:
“Implementing our SAOT system with the CBF most successful federation in World Cup history-is an extraordinary validation of Genius Sports‘ technology. Brazil is a strategic market for our entire operation, and we’re excited to work with the CBF to deliver technology that reduces delays, preserves the natural flow of the game, and supports officials in making more accurate decisions.”
