VAR for corners and Vini Jr law: CBF, clubs approve new rules

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·11 August 2026

VAR for corners and Vini Jr law: CBF, clubs approve new rules

World Cup innovations will be implemented in Brazil

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the clubs have taken an important step toward modernizing Brazilian football. This Monday (10), at a meeting held in a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, the organization presented and approved the immediate implementation of a new set of refereeing rules, such as five seconds to take a throw-in and one minute off the field after medical treatment (see the full list at the end of the article).

In this way, the changes, many of which were used during the 2026 World Cup, will now apply in domestic competitions. As such, the implementation covers all divisions of the Brazilian Championship, the Copa do Brasil, and the Women’s Brasileirão A1.

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WHY DOES THE CBF WANT TO CHANGE THE RULES OF BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL, AFTER ALL?

Refereeing is one of the areas considered a priority by the CBF. Between 2026 and 2027, the organization plans to invest R$ 200 million in equipment, technology, and training. The goal, then, is to make matches more dynamic and increase effective playing time. To that end, the CBF, in partnership with CBF Academy, prepared the report “Ball-in-Play Time in Brazilian Football.”

The study used data provided by OPTA Stats Perform and identified points that can be adjusted to reduce interruptions during matches. Up to the break for the 2026 World Cup, Série A matches had an average of 52 minutes and 54 seconds of ball-in-play time. That figure is still below FIFA’s target of 60 minutes.

IN SHORT, WHAT DID THE CBF SAY ABOUT THE CHANGES?

CBF president Samir Xaud stressed that the transformation of Brazilian football needs to involve all sectors connected to the sport. Gustavo Dias Henrique, CBF vice president, also highlighted that implementing the changes will require a gradual process.

— This is another meeting that, as is the practice of this administration, is based on dialogue and takes place democratically. Today we will kick off this series of five meetings to discuss a new set of regulations, talking about the implementation of the rules that were already used in the World Cup. It is part of the restructuring of Brazilian football. This is everyone’s mission: the CBF, the clubs, the federations, each doing their part — said Xaud.

— Changes in refereeing are difficult, require time, and need mechanisms to get us where we want to be. We are investing millions in equipment and training, and everything will not change overnight. We need the clubs and the executives in this process — Dias said.

SO, WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES OF BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL?

However, the CBF proposed bringing forward the adoption of the new IFAB rules, which originally could only be implemented in Brazilian football in 2028. With the clubs’ approval, the measures will be put into practice in the current season. FIFA estimates that the changes could add approximately 5 minutes and 49 seconds of ball-in-play time per match.

Check out the ten main changes: 1. EIGHT SECONDS FOR THE GOALKEEPER TO HOLD THE BALL The goalkeeper will have a limit of eight seconds to keep the ball in his hands. If he exceeds that time, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick. 2. FIVE SECONDS TO TAKE A THROW-IN The player will have five seconds to take the throw-in. The count starts as soon as the player has the ball in his hands. 3. FIVE SECONDS TO TAKE A GOAL KICK After the referee’s authorization, the goalkeeper will have five seconds to put the ball back into play. If he exceeds the limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick. 4. TEN SECONDS TO LEAVE THE FIELD DURING SUBSTITUTIONS The substituted player must leave the field quickly. He must exit at the nearest point, avoiding crossing the pitch. 5. ONE MINUTE OFF THE FIELD AFTER MEDICAL TREATMENT Players treated on the pitch will need to leave the field. The player must remain off for one minute before returning to the match. 6. ONE OUTFIELD PLAYER MUST STAY OFF AFTER THE GOALKEEPER RECEIVES TREATMENT When the goalkeeper receives medical treatment, one outfield player from the same team must also remain off the field for one minute. The choice may be made by the coach or the captain. 7. ONLY THE CAPTAIN MAY SPEAK TO THE REFEREE Communication with the referee team will be centralized in the captain. Thus, each team will have only one player authorized to speak with the referee in certain situations. 8. COVERING THE MOUTH DURING ARGUMENTS MAY LEAD TO A RED CARD The act of intentionally covering the mouth during an argument with an opponent will now be considered conduct punishable by dismissal. The measure became known as the “Vini Jr. Protocol.” 9. VAR MAY REVIEW A SECOND YELLOW CARD Incidents resulting in a second yellow card, consequently leading to a dismissal, may be reviewed by VAR. 10. VAR MAY REVIEW A CORNER AWARDED BY MISTAKE The review of corner kicks awarded incorrectly was approved for implementation in 2027. The technology may be used when the error has a direct influence on a goal or penalty.

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