CBF meets clubs, approves new rules for Brazilian football: what's new | OneFootball

During a meeting on the afternoon of this Monday (10), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) met at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, with clubs from Série A and Série B of the Brazilian Championship and approved the implementation of the new rules for Brazilian football that will be used at the 2026 World Cup.

The new rules will already be valid starting from the next round — the 23rd — of the Brazilian Championship, scheduled for August 15 and 16. The Copa do Brasil and the Brazilian Women’s Championship will also begin using the rules immediately. According to the entity, the intention is to increase actual playing time in matches. Based on FIFA estimates, the new rules are expected to add 5 minutes and 49 seconds to games.

Photo: Luciana Vermell/CBF

Corinthians football executive Marcelo Paz represented the club at Monday’s meeting and commented on the approval of the new rules: “I think this is something that has already been tested at the World Cup, something that is already in force in South American competitions. Many Série A clubs are still playing in South American competitions and will face these new regulations this week, so it would be difficult for the athlete if they apply in one competition but not in another. It’s not something that is so difficult to implement.”

“Of course, it requires some training and information, which the CBF is making available to the clubs. At Coritiba, we also received this training from a CBF professional to work on these topics that were changed, but everyone who watched the World Cup in one way or another is already somewhat familiar with it. I think it’s important, I think any improvement is welcome. It’s not a change in the rules, it’s a change in procedure. So I think the change is very welcome and the players will quickly absorb it,” he said.

The clubs and the CBF also agreed to implement the IFAB protocol (International Football Association Board, responsible for the new rules mentioned), which will also be adopted by the Premier League (England) and La Liga (Spain). If the goalkeeper needs treatment and there is clearly no injury, one outfield player must leave the field for one minute after play restarts. If no choice is made, the captain will automatically leave the pitch temporarily.

Netto Góes, CBF’s Director of Refereeing, also spoke on the subject: “We started from data to understand where the main interruptions are and what we can do to improve the game. The study shows that there is room to recover more than six minutes of actual playing time per match, and our job is to turn that diagnosis into concrete actions. That involves applying the new rules, standardizing criteria, and training referees, but it also depends on the participation of clubs and players. The goal is to have a more fluid game, with fewer interruptions and more football.”

Regarding Conmebol, all IFAB rules were approved except the Vini Jr Law (covering the mouth during an argument during the match). Corinthians, now under the new rules, will return to the pitch next Thursday (13) at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) against Rosario Central of Argentina, away from home, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16.

Learn about the new rules approved at the meeting:

1. Eight seconds holding the ball in the hands

A goalkeeper who exceeds the limit gives the opponent a corner kick.

2. Five seconds for a throw-in

The count starts as soon as the player has the ball in hand.

3. Five seconds to take a goal kick

The referee blows the whistle and counts five seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds the time, a corner kick is awarded to the opponent.

4. Ten seconds to leave the field during substitutions

The substituted player must leave at the nearest exit point and stay off for one minute.

6. After treatment for the goalkeeper, one outfield player stays out for one minute

The coach or captain indicates who will serve the minute off the field.

7. Only the captain speaks to the referee

Only one spokesperson per team throughout the match.

8. Covering the mouth during an argument: red card (Vini Jr Protocol)

Intentionally covering the mouth while arguing with an opponent will be punishable by dismissal.

9. VAR review for a second yellow card

A card resulting in a sending-off can now be reviewed by VAR.

10. VAR review for a wrongly awarded corner kick (approved for 2027)

Reviewable when it leads directly to a goal or penalty.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.