CBF Launches Executive Football Meeting to Tackle Structural Reforms in Brazilian Football
The CBF held its first Executive Football Meeting focusing on structural reforms, professionalization, and preparations for the 2026 World Cup, while experts highlighted key improvements needed in Brazilian football.
- • CBF organized the first Executive Football Meeting with over 100 professionals to address structural issues and improve football competitions in Brazil.
- • Helder Melillo stressed long-term planning, decentralization, and dialogue as pillars of CBF’s strategy.
- • Leonardo Jardim emphasized the importance of professional refereeing, stricter financial controls, and standardized playing fields for league improvement.
- • The meeting included discussions on arbitration, marketing, communications, and preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
- • Executives praised the initiative, highlighting the growing prominence of women's football and the need for collaboration across divisions.
Key details
On December 1, 2025, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) held its inaugural Executive Football Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, convening over 100 football executives to discuss vital structural improvements within Brazilian football. Helder Melillo, CBF's executive director, emphasized the administration's focus on addressing longstanding structural issues, highlighting three strategic pillars: long-term planning, administrative decentralization, and continuous dialogue with all football stakeholders.
The meeting aimed not only to foster stronger ties between CBF, clubs, and federations but also to improve the quality, organization, and attractiveness of football competitions in Brazil. Cícero Souza, managing the men's national team, reflected on the professional evolution of executive roles within the sport, noting that tasks formerly seen as unnecessary have become essential in today's competitive environment.
Rodrigo Caetano, general coordinator for the men's national teams, offered insights on preparations for the 2026 World Cup and unveiled the campaign "Bate no Peito," emphasizing pride and commitment. Discussions at the event also covered arbitration, communication strategies, marketing, financial fairness, and the growing significance of women's football.
Parallel to the meeting, Cruzeiro coach Leonardo Jardim shared his expert analysis on improvements needed in Brazilian football. He underscored the necessity of professional refereeing, calling it the "minimum" requirement for a strong league despite some opposition. Jardim advocated for stricter enforcement of Fair Play Financeiro, ensuring clubs invest within their real financial capacities to resolve delinquency issues.
He further highlighted the negative impact of varying field characteristics across stadiums, urging for standardized playing surfaces to enhance match quality. Efficient calendar management and a more active players' union were also cited as critical factors to elevate the sport’s international reputation and fully harness Brazil's footballing potential.
The event was warmly received by club executives and stakeholders, who praised CBF’s initiative toward increased collaboration and professionalization within Brazilian football, a sport rapidly evolving across all divisions and genders.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.