Alex Gomes Stefano to referee Corinthians at Internacional in Copa do Brasil, contentious VAR named | OneFootball

Corinthians visit Internacional at Beira-Rio on Sunday at 19:30 for the Copa do Brasil last 16 first leg, with Rio de Janeiro’s Alex Gomes Stefano appointed referee and Caio Max Augusto Vieira of Goiás on VAR.

According to Meu Timao, it will be the eighth Corinthians match overseen by Alex, producing two wins, three draws and two defeats.

This is his first Corinthians assignment in the Copa do Brasil, having previously handled only Brasileirão fixtures involving the club. Their most recent meeting came in April in the 12th round of the league, a 0-0 draw away to Vitória.

Corinthians last won under his watch in October 2025, beating Atlético Mineiro 1-0 in Itaquera in the 29th round.

The VAR selection has drawn attention from Corinthians supporters. Caio Max was linked by fans to a streaming account called ‘juizfifaplayer’ that allegedly posted an offensive remark about the club, and he reportedly responded with an expletive when asked if he had ever favoured a rival against Timão.

After that episode, Corinthians asked the CBF on multiple occasions not to assign him to their matches. The latest request came before the 2025 derby with Palmeiras in the same round, yet he remained on the game.

Sunday’s crew also includes assistants Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa, from Rio de Janeiro, and Joverton Wesley de Souza Lima, from Rondônia, with Paulo Roberto Alves Júnior of Paraná as fourth official.

This tie is Corinthians’ second phase in the 2026 competition. They beat Barra of Santa Catarina 1-0 in both legs in the fifth phase.

Source: Meu Timao