CBF approves gradual cut to foreign-player limit, Flamengo vote against | OneFootball

CBF has approved a phased reduction to the number of foreign players clubs can name per match, with Flamengo casting a near-isolated vote against but obliged to adapt.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Série A and Série B sides backed the change, which will be rolled out annually. The cap will fall from nine in 2026 to eight in 2027, then seven in 2028, six in 2029 and five in 2030.

The rule limits matchday selection only, not the number of contracts. Flamengo already have 10 foreign players under contract, more than the eight they will be able to name in 2027.

Many of those deals run for at least a further two years, so the squad will not be forced into a sudden overhaul. Contracts for Varela and Rossi run to 2027, Arrascaeta, De La Cruz and Saúl Ñíguez to 2028, with Carrascal, Gonzalo Plata and Erick Pulgar tied to 2029. Anthony Valencia and Joaquín Freitas are contracted until 2031.

The shift should open more space for Brazilian players in the top two divisions, although it may complicate moves for overseas signings in the coming years.

With approval secured, attention now turns to how clubs balance their squads under the new limits.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”