Corinthians question Paulista refereeing, call for professionalisation

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·27. Januar 2026

Corinthians question Paulista refereeing, call for professionalisation

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing in the 2026 Campeonato Paulista after two consecutive matches marked by controversial decisions. Last Monday, the club's board formally filed a new complaint with Mauro Silva, vice-president of the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF).

The information was released by the Meu Timão portal. The club's criticism centers on errors that occurred in the 1-1 draw with Santos and the 1-0 victory over Velo Clube, valid for the fourth and fifth rounds of the State Championship, respectively. The Corinthians board also advocates for the professionalization of refereeing in the Paulistão, at least in the top tier of the competition.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Internally, the understanding at Parque São Jorge is that the new format of the championship, which reduced the first phase to just eight decisive matches—both in the fight for a spot in the knockout stage and in the battle against relegation—leaves no room for mistakes. For the club, refereeing errors can have a direct impact on the fate of the teams throughout the tournament.

It is worth noting that, last Friday, Corinthians had already approached the FPF to express their dissatisfaction with the decisions made in the derby against Santos, played at Vila Belmiro. According to Meu Timão, president Osmar Stabile spoke with Reinaldo Carneiro Bastos, president of the São Paulo Federation, about the club’s outrage. Days later, referee Lucas Canetto Bellote was removed by the entity, which considered the call of a foul committed by Gustavo Henrique on Lautaro Díaz at the edge of the box to be mistaken. The play led to Santos’ equalizing goal, scored by Gabriel Barbosa.

Then, this Monday, in addition to reiterating previous complaints, Corinthians also contested the performance of Flávio Rodrigues Marques in the match against Velo Clube, held at Estádio Benito Agnelo Castellano, in Rio Claro. Even with the victory, the club criticized the lack of consistency in foul calls, complained about a penalty not given to André Ramalho, who allegedly suffered an elbow from defender Betão at the 25th minute of the first half, and also pointed out the lack of a red card for Ynaiã after he stepped on Vitinho’s knee.

Corinthians will only reassess a possible change in refereeing conduct on February 5, when they face Capivariano at 8:30 p.m. at Neo Química Arena, for the sixth round of the Campeonato Paulista.

Before that, Timão has two important commitments: they face Bahia next Thursday at 8 p.m. at Vila Belmiro, for their debut in the Brazilian Championship, and take on Flamengo on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Mané Garrincha, for the Supercopa do Brasil.

See more: