This coming Sunday, the football teams Palmeiras and SPFC are set to battle for the prestigious Supercopa Rei title. The match is scheduled for 4 pm at the iconic Mineirão Stadium. However, beyond the players, there is more to anticipate.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), responsible for orchestrating this event that showcases the champions of the premier Brazilian leagues, has introduced an innovative approach to how refereeing decisions are communicated.
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In a significant shift, referee Bráulio da Silva Machado, who is assigned to oversee this high-stakes match, will be equipped with a microphone to verbally explain the VAR-reviewed decisions directly to fans in the stadium. This initiative, endorsed by FIFA following a request from the CBF, aims to bridge the gap between on-field decisions and spectator understanding. The strategy, which is being considered for implementation in future editions of the Copa do Brasil and Brasileirão Série A, reflects a broader push towards transparency in the sport.
How does Live VAR work?
Wilson Luis Seneme, the chairperson of the CBF’s Referee Commission, elaborated on the preparatory steps being taken to ensure referees can effectively communicate their decisions.
“There is a protocol; we are training the referees. These are simple words, without much complication, it is the final decision. He will explain why and what decision he made,” Seneme explained, highlighting the effort to demystify the referees’ thought processes for the public.
For the sake of transparency
Seneme further expressed his belief that this new practice signifies a leap forward for Brazilian football, enhancing the game’s integrity and transparency.
“We are going to inaugurate this transparency tool… The decisions that the referees make through VAR, as has already been done in the FIFA Club World Cups, the referees will announce their decisions,” he stated, emphasizing the role of this initiative in fostering a deeper respect for referees among fans and players alike.
“It’s respect for those in the stands and for those watching on television. It is enlightening and gives more credibility to the figure of the referee… I think it humanizes the role of the referee and gives him the power of explanation so that people understand when he makes the final decision,” Seneme added, underlining the transformative potential of this approach.
The officiating team for the eagerly anticipated clash between Palmeiras and SPFC is comprehensive. Alongside Bráulio da Silva Machado, assistant referees Guilherme Camilo and Rodrigo Correa, fourth official Rafael Klein, fifth referee Fernanda Kruger, and advisor Antonio Pereira da Silva complete the field team.
Wagner Reway will lead the VAR team, assisted by Cleriston Clay and Daniel Nobre Bins, with Péricles Bassols serving as the VAR observer, ensuring a thoroughly scrutinized and transparent match.
