Maracanã Stadium was the first to install a 12-rig system containing 28 iPhone 17 Pro units that will help enable semi-automated offside calls. Here are the details.
Four more stadiums confirmed to receive the system
As reported by ge (via MacMagazine), the Brazilian Football Confederation, known locally as CBF, confirmed that Maracanã Stadium has completed installation of a semi-automated offside system powered by 28 iPhone 17 Pro units.
CBF e Genius concluem a instalação do impedimento semiautomático no Maracanã
Saiba mais em: https://t.co/mkPXONW8t1 pic.twitter.com/X4fTjefXhz — brasil (@CBF_Futebol) January 28, 2026
The system reportedly will run using 28 iPhones 17 Pro mounted on 12 rigs around the stadium, recording matches in 4K at a high frame rate to create a digital replica of each play. This will allow officials to assess offside positions more precisely.
CBF says that even though the rigs are now in place at Maracanã, the semi-automated offside system will not be used immediately.
Instead, the system will undergo a period of testing and calibration, while referees are trained to use the technology. Only then will it be approved for use in official Brazilian Série A matches.
Here’s CBF’s president, Samir Xaud, on the rollout of the semi-automated offside system:
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