CBF launches referee professionalisation programme in Brazil | OneFootball

On Tuesday, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) presented the Refereeing Professionalization Program (PRO), aiming to modernize the management of referees in Brazilian football. The initiative covers 72 professionals and will receive an investment of R$ 195 million between 2026 and 2027. The goal is to raise the standard of national refereeing and align the country with practices adopted by the top European leagues.

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The project was developed by the Refereeing Working Group, with participation from clubs in Series A and B, international consultants, federations, and referees. Structured around four pillars — General Structure, Excellence with Health, Technical Training, and Technology and Innovation — the program officially begins in March. Referees will receive monthly salaries, performance bonuses, and a weekly training routine, without the requirement of exclusivity.

Among the 72 selected are 20 central referees (11 of them FIFA-certified), 40 assistants, and 12 VAR professionals. They will be evaluated round by round by a technical committee and independent observers, with a ranking updated throughout the season.

At the end of each year, there will be relegations and promotions based on performance. In addition, referees will receive comprehensive medical care, psychological support, individualized training plans, and four annual evaluations.

The PRO also includes monthly immersions, theoretical classes, performance analyses, and play discussions after each match. For the CBF president, Samir Xaud, the initiative represents an essential structural change. “It is a historic demand of Brazilian football. We are adopting the best international practices to strengthen our sport.”

The new model will be applied initially in the Brasileirão, with the possibility of integration into other competitions during the year.

See the list of selected referees.

20 Central Referees

Alex Stefano, Anderson Daronco, Braulio Machado, Bruno Arleu, Davi Lacerda, Edina Batista, Felipe Lima, Flávio Souza, Jonathan Pinheiro, Lucas Casagrande, Lucas Torezin, Matheus Candançan, Paulo Zanovelli, Rafael Klein, Ramon Abatti, Raphael Claus, Rodrigo Pereira, Savio Sampaio, Wagner Magalhães, and Wilton Sampaio.

40 Assistants

Alessandro Matos (CBF), Alex Ang (FIFA), Alex Dos Santos (CBF), Alex Tomé (CBF), Andrey Freitas (CBF), Anne Kesy (FIFA), Brigida Cirilo (FIFA), Bruno Boschilia (FIFA), Bruno Pires (FIFA), Celso Silva (CBF), Cipriano Silva (CBF), Daniela Coutinho (FIFA), Danilo Manis (FIFA), Douglas Pagung (CBF), Eduardo Cruz (CBF), Evandro Lima (CBF), Fabrini Bevilaqua (FIFA), Felipe Alan (CBF), Fernanda Kruger (FIFA), Fernanda Nandrea (FIFA), Francisco Bezerra (CBF), Gizeli Casaril (FIFA), Guilherme Camilo (FIFA), Joverton Lima (CBF), Leila Naiara (FIFA), Leone Rocha (CBF), Luanderson Lima (FIFA), Luiz Regazone (CBF), Maira Mastella (FIFA), Michael Stanislau (CBF), Nailton Junior (FIFA), Neuza Back (FIFA), Rafael Alves (FIFA), Rafael Trombeta (CBF), Rodrigo Correa (FIFA), Schumacher Gomes (CBF), Thiaggo Labes (CBF), Thiago Farinha (CBF), Tiago Diel (CBF), and Victor Imazu (FIFA).

12 VAR Professionals

Caio Max, Charly Wendy, Daiane Muniz, Daniel Bins, Diego Lopez, Marco Fazekas, Pablo Ramon, Rodolpho Tolski, Rodrigo Dalonso, Rodrigo Guarizo, Rodrigo Sá, and Wagner Reway.

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