The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Thursday that semi-automated offside technology will be used starting from the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. The CBF said the decision was possible because every club that has reached this stage already has the system installed in its stadium.
The technology was first introduced by the CBF in Serie A of the Campeonato Brasileiro from round 20 onward. Its use there produced an average checking time of just 47 seconds across five plays.
CBF director's comments
Netto Góes, the CBF's director of refereeing, welcomed the expansion of the tool. He said that after introducing semi-automated offside in the Campeonato Brasileiro, the confederation was taking another important step by bringing the technology to this decisive stage of the Copa Betano do Brasil. Góes said the tool strengthens the competition, increases the accuracy of decisions and promotes greater balance, transparency and trust.
Clubs already through
Six clubs have so far secured a place in the quarterfinals: Santos, Atlético-MG, Cruzeiro, Palmeiras, Vasco and Grêmio.
Final two spots
The last two qualifiers were due to be decided on Thursday. Athletico-PR was set to visit Vitória at 8pm Brasília time at the Barradão in Salvador, holding a 2-0 first-leg lead. At the same time, Corinthians was hosting Internacional at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, looking to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat.
Draw for the quarterfinals
The CBF will hold the draw for the quarterfinal matchups and the rest of the knockout bracket on Tuesday at 11am Brasília time at its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
