CBF Launches Financial Fair Play Model to Ensure Brazilian Football Sustainability Starting 2026
The CBF has introduced a pioneering financial fair play system, the SSF, set to begin in 2026 to regulate club debts and spending, promoting fiscal sustainability in Brazilian football.
- • The SSF was announced by CBF in 2025, with implementation starting in 2026.
- • It is based on four pillars: debt control, operational balance, squad costs, and short-term debt management.
- • Clubs must maintain operational surpluses or respect defined deficit limits.
- • ANRESF will monitor compliance with audits three times yearly.
Key details
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has unveiled the Sistema de Sustentabilidade Financeira (SSF), a new financial fair play framework designed to enhance transparency and sustainability across Brazilian professional football. Announced during the Summit CBF Academy in São Paulo, the system will gradually begin implementation in 2026, applying primarily to clubs in the Campeonato Brasileiro A and B Series.
Inspired by international financial fair play concepts but tailored for Brazil's unique football landscape, the SSF focuses on four core pillars: controlling overdue debts, ensuring operational balance, regulating team spending, and managing short-term indebtedness. Notably, the model allows unlimited capital injections from club owners, supporting investment influx and the growth of Sociedade Anônimas do Futebol (SAFs).
The new regulations mandate that all debts incurred after January 1, 2026, comply with the SSF, with clubs required to clear debts predating 2026 by November 30, 2026. Regular audits will be conducted thrice annually on March 31, July 31, and November 30 by the Agência Nacional de Regulação e Sustentabilidade do Futebol (ANRESF), the independent body established to oversee compliance and impose sanctions.
Operationally, clubs must maintain surpluses or abide by deficit ceilings—up to R$30 million or 2.5% of revenues for first division teams and R$10 million for second division clubs. Certain expenses, including youth development, infrastructure, social projects, women's football, and Olympic sports, are excluded from these cost limits. Additionally, team costs must not exceed 70% of a club's total revenue, transfers, and contributions by 2029, with a transitional increase to 80% during 2026 and 2027. Short-term debts will be restricted to a maximum of 45% of main revenues starting 2030, following phased reductions from 60% and 50% in preceding years.
CBF President Samir Xaud highlighted that the SSF marks a collective advancement for Brazilian football, ensuring fair competition, timely wages for athletes, and increased trust from supporters. Vice President Ricardo Gluck Paul recognized the initiative as historic, tackling Brazil's long-standing challenges of attracting investment amid growing club indebtedness.
As the SSF comes into force, Brazilian football enters a new era of financial responsibility and governance with the goal of securing the sport’s economic health while fostering sustainable growth and competitiveness.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.