Brazil pushes itself forward as football technology test-bed

CBF logo

By Samindra Kunti
December 9 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) wants Brazilian football to become a laboratory for the use of new technologies in the game. Fernando Sarney, who has filled Marco Polo del Nero’s position on FIFA’s executive committee, will seek support from FIFA in the next months to implement CBF’s vision.

In the past the CBF have floated the idea of ‘technologization’, wanting to become a frontrunner in the development of the game with a specific focus on the introduction of a video referee.

The idea mirrors the Dutch FA KNVB’s proposal to test video technology in live games, but the International FA Board has so far been reluctant in endorsing more technology in the game.

Fernando Sarney, Brazil’s new representative at the FIFA executive committee after a six-month no-show by Marco Polo Del Nero, will put push for the project and try to gain support from FIFA in the near future. Sarney’s plans revolve around the role of the referee and how technology can enhance it.

The CBF and Sarney would be looking at the introduction of a video referee along the lines of a video referee in rugby. At this year’s rugby world cup in England the Television Match Official was the subject of much controversy, first for delays in matches due to slow decision-making and then for his lack of jurisdiction over a controversial penalty in Scotland’s quarterfinal against Australia.

Previously, FIFA indicated that CBF would be invited pending an possible agreement between FIFA and IFAB to allow such tests in the future. Brazil media reports suggest though that tests may commence in the second half of 2016.

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