CBF and clubs approve new rules for national competitions

A meeting between the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the clubs of the men's Brazilian Championship series A and B, on Monday (10), approved the adoption of new refereeing rules in national competitions. According to the organization, the decision takes effect immediately. The meeting took place at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro. The impacted divisions are men's series A, B, C, and D, the women's first division (Series A1) – which is broadcast live on TV Brasil – and the Copa do Brasil. The rules are determined by the International Board – the body that defines, regulates, and amends the laws of football – and many of them have already been applied in the last World Cup. The goal, according to the CBF, is to reduce the time lost due to game stoppages. The International Football Federation (FIFA) aims for a minimum of 60 minutes of play per game. Before the World Cup break, the average time recorded in the men's Serie A of the Brasileirão was 52 minutes and 54 seconds per match. In the French and German leagues, which have the best records among the main European leagues, the average time is 56 minutes and 17 seconds. The CBF's estimate, in the report Playing Time in Brazilian Football, based on a study by data company Opta, is that it is possible to gain 5 minutes and 49 seconds of game time with the new rules, potentially reaching 6 minutes and 22 seconds extra. Of the ten changes, only one will be valid only from 2027: the review, via video assistant referee (VAR), of incorrectly awarded corner kicks. "Our work is to turn this diagnosis into concrete actions. This involves applying the new rules, standardizing criteria, and training referees, but also depends on the participation of clubs and players. The goal is to have a more fluid game, with fewer interruptions and more football," said Netto Góes, CBF Refereeing Director. Here are the new rules: 8 seconds with the ball in hand – If the goalkeeper exceeds the limit, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. 5 seconds for a throw-in – If the player exceeds the time, the throw-in is awarded to the other team. 5 seconds to take a goal kick – The referee counts from the whistle. If the goalkeeper delays, the opponent gets a corner kick. 10 seconds to leave the field during substitutions – If the substituted player exceeds the time to leave, the incoming player must wait one minute before entering the field. 1 minute off, after treatment – The player treated on the field must leave and stay off for at least one minute. Goalkeeper treatment – The coach or team captain designates a outfield player to serve one minute off after the game restarts. Only the captain talks to the referee – If the captain is the goalkeeper, an outfield player will be designated as the team's interlocutor on the field. Anyone disrespecting this will be punished with a yellow card. Vini Jr Protocol – Intentionally covering the mouth during an argument with an opponent to prevent lip reading will be subject to expulsion, regardless of what is said. VAR review for second yellow card – The card resulting in expulsion can be reviewed by VAR and potentially canceled if an error is confirmed. VAR review for mistaken corner kick – Reviewable when the play directly leads to a goal or penalty (valid from 2027).