CBF and Brazilian Clubs Implement 10 New Football Arbitration Rules to Boost Playtime
The CBF and Brazilian football clubs have adopted 10 new rules immediately to reduce interruptions and boost effective playing time in Brazilian leagues and cups.
- • CBF and clubs approved 10 new football arbitration rules immediately.
- • New rules include time limits for goalkeepers, throw-ins, and goal kicks.
- • The 'Vini Jr. Law' penalizes players covering their mouths while speaking to opponents.
- • The initiative aims to increase ball-in-play time from 52 to 60 minutes per match.
Key details
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) along with clubs from Serie A and Serie B have approved and immediately implemented ten new football arbitration rules across Brazil's major football competitions, including Serie A, Serie B, the Copa do Brasil, and the Women's A1 league. These changes aim to reduce game interruptions and increase effective ball-in-play time, which had been averaging only 52 minutes and 54 seconds per match—well below FIFA's target of 60 minutes.
The new set of rules was first introduced and tested during the 2026 World Cup and now takes effect immediately in Brazil. Key measures include limiting goalkeepers to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds, time constraints of five seconds for throw-ins and goal kicks, and requiring substituted players to exit the field quickly to minimize delays. An innovative rule, dubbed the "Vini Jr. Law," penalizes players who cover their mouths while talking to opponents with a red card to promote transparency in on-field communication.
Another notable regulation mandates that if a goalkeeper requires medical attention, an opposing player must leave the field for one minute, further discouraging time-wasting. From 2027, video assistant referee (VAR) protocols will allow reviews of incorrectly awarded corner kicks that result in goals or penalties.
CBF President Samir Xaud emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among football stakeholders in Brazil to modernize the sport's governance and increase its value, especially as the Brazilian league currently lags behind top European leagues like the Premier League and La Liga in terms of revenue and gameplay quality. The CBF plans an investment of R$ 200 million in arbitration over 2026 and 2027 to support these enhancements.
CBF's Director of Refereeing, Netto Góes, highlighted the potential to add over six minutes of actual playing time per match, aligning Brazilian football closer to FIFA's recommended standards. The next technical council meeting is scheduled for September 14 to discuss further organizational aspects of Brazilian competitions.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
