New FCF VAR tool tested in Catarinense Sicoob Série B matches

LED Cube Install

ation Underway

The Santa Catarina Football Federation (FCF) in the Southern Brazil has begun implementing a new video assistant referee (VAR) system. The first steps of the new technology were taken this past weekend. The matches of the sixth round of the Catarinense Sicoob Série B — Blumenau vs. Juventus on Saturday (07/05) and Metropolitano vs. Fluminense on Sunday (07/06) — included offline tests, meaning they did not interfere with decisions on the field. The activities marked the beginning of the partnership between the FCF and Goal Sport Technology, a partner company of the federation that is based in the Czech Republic.

The technology is state-of-the-art and has been certified by FIFA. The Santa Catarina Football Federation acquired the equipment and intends to implement the entire system in future competitions organized by the federation. There will be a central hub in Florianópolis to help reduce costs.

According to the director of the FCF Refereeing Department, Kleber Lucio Gil, the tests went as planned. “This first test was a success, where we were able to put into practice everything we had envisioned. These preparations show us that we are on the right path in seeking the best for refereeing in Santa Catarina.” The tests were also monitored by professionals from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the Paraná Football Federation (FPF).

For the tests to take place, the Goal Sports team arrived in Brazil last Wednesday (07/02). The following day, the professionals began setting up the structure so that on Saturday (07/05) the equipment could be fully operational. On Friday (07/04), the company’s team also met with representatives of the FCF refereeing department.

The initiative, with full support from president Rubens Angelotti, has the main goal of ensuring that all matches of the 2026 Catarinense Fort Atacadista championship have the VAR tool available.

Source: FCF