CBF and clubs approve new refereeing rules, Vini Jr protocol, VAR on corners in 2027 | OneFootball

The CBF and clubs have approved immediate refereeing changes, tightening time limits, expanding VAR and introducing the Vini Jr protocol to raise ball-in-play time.

The CBF and clubs signed off measures for national competitions, including the Campeonato Brasileiro, the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão Feminino A1. Per Coluna Do Fla, the rollout starts this season.

Key timings include eight seconds for goalkeepers to hold the ball, with a corner if exceeded, five seconds to take a throw-in, and five seconds for goal-kicks after the referee’s signal, with a corner if late. Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave via the nearest point.

Players treated on the pitch must exit for one minute before returning. If the goalkeeper is treated, one outfield team-mate must also stay off for one minute. Only the captain may address the referee in specified situations, and covering the mouth can mean a red card under the Vini Jr protocol.

VAR can review incidents leading to a second yellow card and, from 2027, wrongly awarded corners when the error directly affects a goal or a penalty.

Between 2026 and 2027 the CBF plans to invest R$ 200 million in equipment, technology and training, and Samir Xaud and Gustavo Dias Henrique said the overhaul needs buy-in and will be gradual.

The CBF has brought forward IFAB changes originally slated for 2028 to the current season. FIFA estimates the measures could add around five minutes and 49 seconds of ball in play per match.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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