With measures for throw-ins and goal kicks, Série A recorded an effective playing time of 55 minutes and 29 seconds, surpassing European leagues.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has released a report indicating a significant increase in the average ball-in-play time in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The change is a direct reflection of the implementation of new rules that came into effect last weekend, during the 25th round of the national competition.

Before the recent changes, the average time the ball remained in play was 52 minutes and 54 seconds. Following the application of the new measures, this figure jumped to 55 minutes and 29 seconds. This represents an increase of 2 minutes and 35 seconds per match, boosting the dynamism of the spectacle.

Among the nine new guidelines adopted by the CBF for Brazilian football, three were specifically designed to optimize effective playing time. The initial results show an immediate positive impact, contributing to a more fluid and attractive sport for fans.

Key Changes to Speed Up Play in the Brasileirão

To achieve this increase in ball-in-play time, the CBF focused on measures that combat "anti-game tactics" and unnecessary stoppages. The three central rules aimed at this improvement are:

  • Five seconds for throw-ins: The countdown begins as soon as the player gains possession of the ball to execute the throw-in.
  • Five seconds for goal kicks: After the referee's whistle, the goalkeeper has a five-second limit to take the goal kick. If the time limit is exceeded, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.
  • Ten seconds for substitutions: The substituted player must leave the field quickly from the nearest point to their position, avoiding deliberate delays.

These determinations are part of a package of nine rules implemented to make football more dynamic and combat time-wasting.

Brasileirão Surpasses Major European Leagues in Effective Playing Time

With the new average ball-in-play time of 55 minutes and 29 seconds, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A surpasses important European leagues. The CBF's survey shows that football played in Brazil now has more effective playing time than the English Premier League (55:23), the Spanish Championship (55:8), and the Italian Serie A (54:28).

This performance places the national tournament at an internationally prominent level regarding match fluidity, a crucial factor for the quality and appeal of the spectacle.

Positive Refereeing Assessment and Benefits for the Public

The CBF's director of refereeing, Netto Góes, positively assessed the application of the new rules in their first weekend. "This first weekend with the implementation of the new rules brings a very positive balance. It is still premature to speak of a consolidation of results, but significant progress has already been observed in several matches," Góes stated.

He emphasized the benefits for viewers. "The increase in ball-in-play time directly contributes to a more fluid, more dynamic game, and most importantly, to delivering an increasingly better product to the fans," the director concluded, highlighting the direct impact on the public's experience.

Vini Jr. Law and Scope of CBF's New Regulations

In addition to measures to speed up play, the CBF's new regulations include the Vini Jr. Law, which punishes with a direct red card any player who covers their mouth with their hand during a discussion. This rule aims to curb unsportsmanlike conduct and hidden communication on the field.

Immediately in the first weekend of application, striker Arthur Cabral, from Botafogo, was penalized for arguing with Vitória coach Jair Ventura, demonstrating the strictness of the new guideline. These determinations are valid for all divisions of the Brasileirão, the Copa do Brasil, and the Brasileirão Feminino A1, covering the main competitions in the national calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the increase in ball-in-play time in the Brasileirão?

The average ball-in-play time in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A increased by 2 minutes and 35 seconds, rising from 52 minutes and 54 seconds to 55 minutes and 29 seconds after the implementation of the new CBF rules.

What are the main new CBF rules to increase playing time?

The three main CBF rules to increase playing time are: five seconds for throw-ins, five seconds for goal kicks, and ten seconds for substituted players to leave the field from the nearest point.

Does the Brasileirão now have more effective playing time than European leagues?

Yes, with the new rules, the Brasileirão (55:29) now records a higher average ball-in-play time than the Premier League (55:23), the Spanish Championship (55:8), and the Italian Serie A (54:28).

When did the new CBF rules come into effect?

The new CBF rules came into effect last weekend, during the 25th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, and have already shown positive results in increasing ball-in-play time.

What is the Vini Jr. Law and how was it applied?

The Vini Jr. Law is one of the new CBF rules that punishes with a direct red card any player who covers their mouth with their hand during discussions. Arthur Cabral, from Botafogo, was the first to be penalized under this rule for arguing with Vitória coach Jair Ventura on the first weekend of its application.