CBF studying major Brasileirão overhaul, fewer teams and new relegation play-off | OneFootball

The Brazilian Football Confederation, the CBF, has continued to adjust its calendar and competitions since Samir Xaud’s 2025 election, and is now studying sweeping changes to the Brasileirão, including fewer clubs and fewer relegations.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the CBF will discuss with clubs moving Serie A from 20 to 18 teams, which would also reduce relegation from four clubs to three.

A play-off is also being considered between the third-bottom side in Serie A and the third-placed team in Serie B, with the winner earning a top-flight berth. The approach mirrors German football and has been floated in other European leagues.

The CBF has already reshaped domestic tournaments. In 2025 it changed the formats of the Copa do Brasil, the Copa do Nordeste and other regional competitions.

In 2026 the Serie B regulations were altered, introducing play-offs from third to sixth for two promotion places.

Flamengo are unlikely to be affected by adjustments at the bottom of Serie A or the revised Serie B format, having never been relegated and consistently contesting the title.

As discussions continue, Flamengo focus on their next assignment, facing Sampaio Corrêa-RJ on Saturday 7 at 21:00, Brasília time, in the final round of the Campeonato Carioca.

Source: Coluna Do Fla