The Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) announced on Monday an investment of R$200 million to improve refereeing in Brazilian football. The money will be spent between 2026 and 2027 to implement a new set of refereeing regulations.
The announcement came during a meeting the CBF held at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. At the event, the CBF formalized the adoption of the new refereeing rules, which take effect starting next season.
Some of the new refereeing rules were already adopted and tested during the 2026 World Cup. Starting next year, the new model will apply to every division of the Campeonato Brasileiro, the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino A1.
Rule already limits goalkeeper possession
Other rules have been in effect in Brazilian football since the start of the year. One example limits how long a goalkeeper can hold the ball, capping it at eight seconds.
If a goalkeeper exceeds that limit, the opposing team is awarded a corner kick. All of the regulations are aimed mainly at increasing the amount of time the ball is in play during matches.
The CBF's goal is to add at least six minutes and 22 seconds of ball-in-play time per game, contributing to what the confederation calls more dynamic and attractive football.
