Brasileirão second lowest for ball-in-play time, study finds | OneFootball

The Brasileirão recorded 46.7 percent of time with the ball out of play in 2025, the second worst share among eight leagues assessed. The finding backs up regular complaints from former Flamengo coach Filipe Luís about excessive stoppages.

According to La Nación, Argentina’s top flight had the highest proportion of dead time at 49.5 percent, with Brazil next and Italy third.

In-play versus stoppage shares were, respectively, Argentina 50.5 percent and 49.5 percent, Brazil 53.3 and 46.7, Italy 55.5 and 44.5, Spain 56 and 44. England posted 56.1 and 43.9, Germany 57.3 and 42.7, France 57.8 and 42.2, and the United States 58 and 42 percent.

While coaching Cruzeiro last year, current Flamengo boss Leonardo Jardim sharply criticised refereeing in October 2025, saying inconsistent standards left him extremely frustrated and unsure if it was worth staying in Brazil. He said he wanted players to decide games, felt he could only influence so much, yet also stressed the joy he had found with Cruzeiro’s supporters and squad.

Before returning to the Brasileirão, Jardim will chase the Campeonato Carioca title against Fluminense on Sunday eight, with kick-off at 18h Brasília time. He is then due to face Cruzeiro at the Maracanã on Wednesday 11.

Source: Coluna Do Fla