In a note published on Sunday night (1), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) clarified important issues regarding the refereeing of the Brazilian Super Cup final, held in the afternoon.
At the BRB Mané Garrincha Arena, in Brasília, Corinthians beat Flamengo 2-0 and became two-time Supercup champions.
One of the key moments of the game was the unusual expulsion of Carrascal, from Flamengo, for elbowing Breno Bidon at the end of the first half. The red card was only given when the teams returned from half-time.
“Initially, the available images did not present conclusive evidence, which is why the first half ended normally”, explained the CBF.
“Also during the procedures, a new check allowed the clear identification of the infraction, which was the basis for the review recommendation so that the referee could evaluate and consequently expel the athlete.”
VAR off in the second half
The CBF note also confirms that the VAR system was not in operation during part of the second half, between minutes 15 and 34, due to an electrical outage in the stadium area.
In the 14th minute, Corinthians had a goal disallowed, scored by Memphis Depay. The field referee pointed out that Yuri Alberto was offside at the origin of the move, and the speed of the check drew attention, as it was an adjusted move.
Goal disallowed! Rossi makes two great saves, Memphis sends the rebound into the back of the goal, but the flag flag is offside. pic.twitter.com/D4opw9uQEz
“The refereeing fully complied with international protocols, with communication to the captains and coaches of both teams”, informed the CBF.
“The Arbitration Committee reinforces that all decisions taken on the field strictly followed the Rules of the Game, without any technical or sporting prejudice to the match.”
Read the CBF note in full
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) clarifies that the expulsion of athlete Jorge Carrascal, in the match between Flamengo and Corinthians, for the Supercopa Rei, occurred after checking the available images, carried out by the VAR team from the moment of the play, and which was completed when the players had already gone down for half-time.
In this procedure, evidence of violent conduct was identified involving Flamengo’s player no. 15 (Carrascal) against Corinthians’ player no. 7 (Breno Bidon), in a move that occurred outside the ball dispute and with the game stopped.
Initially, the available images did not present conclusive evidence, which is why the first half ended normally. Still during the procedures, a new check allowed the clear identification of the infraction, which was the basis for the review recommendation so that the referee could evaluate and consequently expel the athlete.
The procedure adopted is supported by the Rulebook 2025/26 and the FIFA VAR Protocol, which authorize VAR intervention in cases of violent conduct at any time during the match, including after the game has resumed (read more at the end of the note).
The CBF also informs that, during halftime of the match, there was a power outage in several sectors of the stadium, including the VOR (Video Office Room, the VAR Booth).
The contingency system (UPS) maintained VAR operation for approximately 15 minutes. As power in the region was not restored promptly, the match took place without the use of VAR between 15 and 34 minutes of the second half.
The refereeing fully complied with international protocols, with communication to the captains and coaches of both teams.
The Arbitration Committee reinforces that all decisions taken on the field strictly followed the Rules of the Game, without any technical or sporting prejudice to the match.
NORMATIVE BASIS
Rulebook 2025/26 expressly provides for the possibility of review after resuming the game only in specific situations, including possible infractions subject to expulsion for violent conduct:
• Rulebook 2025/26 – page. 159:
If the game is stopped and then restarted, the referee may carry out a review and take appropriate disciplinary measures only in cases of misidentification or possible infraction punishable by expulsion for violent conduct, spitting, biting or acting in an extremely offensive, insulting and/or abusive manner.
• Rulebook 2025/26 – page. 154 (VAR Protocol – Principles, practical aspects and procedures) – Item 1 (Principles) – Subitem 10:
If the game is stopped and then restarted, the referee cannot carry out a review, except in cases of misidentification or a possible offense punishable by expulsion for violent conduct, spitting, biting or acting in an extremely offensive, insulting and/or abusive manner.
• Rulebook 2025/26 – page. 75 (Rule 5) – Item 4 – “Revisions after restarting the game”:
If the game is stopped and then restarted, the referee can only carry out a review and take appropriate disciplinary measures in cases of misidentification or possible infraction punishable by expulsion for violent conduct, or for spitting, biting or acting in an extremely offensive, insulting and/or abusive manner.
Furthermore, the Rule Book reinforces that, at the end of a playing time, it is still possible to change the decision regarding an incident that occurred before the end of that time, as long as the procedure occurs within the foreseen conditions:
• Rulebook 2025/26 – page. 71 (Rule 5) – Item 2 (3rd paragraph):
If, at the end of one of the playing periods, the referee leaves the field to go to the Referee Review Area (ARA) or orders the players to return to the field, it will continue to be possible to change a decision relating to an incident that occurred before the end of that playing period.
