CBF Implements 10 New Rules in Brasileirão to Combat Time-Wasting and Increase Ball-in-Play Time

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially introduced a package of ten new refereeing rules for the Campeonato Brasileiro, targeting petty fouls, time-wasting tactics, and technical disruptions that have long slowed down domestic matches. Implemented ahead of the league’s 23rd round, the regulatory changes follow broad approval from participating clubs and arrive as data highlights wide disparities in effective playing time across top-flight fixtures.

Tackling Petty Fouls and Anti-Time-Wasting Measures

Under the updated regulatory framework overseen by the CBF refereeing department, officials are instructed to raise the threshold for calling minor contacts, colloquially referred to in Brazil as “faltinhas.” By allowing more physical contact and letting play flow naturally, the governing body aims to curb the frequent stoppages that disrupt match momentum.

Alongside the crackdown on minor fouls, the new guidelines enforce strict anti-time-wasting protocols, commonly known as the “lei anticera.” Goalkeepers and outfield players who delay restarts face immediate disciplinary action, providing referees with explicit tools to penalize deliberate stalling tactics.

Effective Playing Time and Club Rankings

Data covering the Brasileirão indicates that clubs like Flamengo have maintained some of the highest averages for effective ball-rolling time (“bola rolando”) in the tournament.

Implementation and Next Steps

The ten refereeing directives took effect immediately starting with the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.