Brazil’s iconic Maracanã Stadium is preparing a major technology upgrade. Stadium officials plan to use an array of iPhone 17 Pro devices to support a new semi-automated offside camera system. The move signals a growing trust in smartphone technology for professional sports broadcasting and officiating.
According to reports, the system will record every play in 4K resolution at 100 frames per second. This high frame rate allows officials to review tight offside decisions with greater clarity and precision. The setup highlights how consumer technology now rivals traditional broadcast gear in demanding environments.
How the System Will Work
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that engineers will install 28 iPhone 17 Pro units around the stadium. Technicians will mount the phones across 12 rigs positioned at key angles. Cameras will sit behind goals, along the offside line, at midfield, and near corner areas. This coverage ensures officials capture every movement on the pitch.
Genius Sports, a company with experience in advanced sports tracking, is leading the technical rollout. The firm previously worked on similar systems for England’s Premier League. As a result, organizers expect a professional-grade setup tailored for Brazil’s championship matches.
Training Comes Before Launch
Officials will not activate the system immediately. Referees must first complete specialized training to use the technology correctly. Stadium staff will also conduct testing to confirm reliability during live matches. Additionally, other Brazilian venues must receive similar equipment before the system becomes standard.
CBF refereeing leadership stressed that careful rollout matters more than speed. They want consistent performance across all stadiums. Therefore, they will not skip evaluation stages.
A New Era for Sports Technology
Smartphones have already appeared in professional sports filming. Major League Soccer has tested iPhone cameras alongside traditional rigs. However, Maracanã’s decision pushes the idea further by integrating phones into officiating tools.
This project reflects a broader shift in sports technology. Affordable, powerful devices now support tasks once reserved for expensive custom hardware. If successful, Brazil’s experiment could influence stadiums worldwide.
