The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) released the 2024 National Men’s Football Calendar in October 2023, to align with FIFA dates and avoid scheduling conflicts. However, this calendar faced criticism from Série A clubs, due to the overlap with the 48th Copa América. These clubs, voicing their concerns, formally petitioned the CBF for changes.
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Reasons for Série A’s petition to CBF
In their petition, the clubs highlighted the scheduling challenges imposed by the Copa América and other issues, calling for a revision of the calendar to better support the development of Brazilian football.
The goal was to adjust the schedule so that Copa do Brasil matches take place during the Brasileirão games that happen at the same time as the Copa América. This way, clubs won’t be as affected by losing players to the Copa América, because FIFA requires clubs to let their players join the tournament.
Why the CBF rejected Série A clubs’ petition
The CBF, in response, outlined several reasons for its refusal to amend the 2024 calendar. They emphasized the complexity of scheduling, noting the need to harmonize with FIFA and CONMEBOL schedules, adhere to Brazilian laws, and consider the interests of all stakeholders.
Key reasons for maintaining the original calendar included:
- Potential complications with the FIFA Intercontinental Cup format, where adjustments could disproportionately affect South American, particularly Brazilian, teams.
- A proposed four-month hiatus between the Copa do Brasil’s quarter-finals and semi-finals, which would likely decrease fan engagement and harm financial returns for clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters.
- Disruptions to the Série A schedule, introducing a month-long gap between rounds that was undesirable.
- The impact of proposed changes on existing contracts with broadcasters and sponsors, which were based on the initially announced calendar.
- The inopportune timing of the petition, which coincided with ongoing state and regional championships and the onset of the Copa do Brasil’s first phase, risking uneven adjustments across competitions.
- An extended season for two clubs, interfering with scheduled vacations and potentially leading to labor issues, with ramifications for the 2025 calendar.
- Scheduling conflicts for the round of 16 and quarter-final stages with the Copa América, adversely affecting clubs during a critical competition phase with significant financial implications.
Despite their refusal to revise the calendar, the CBF reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, expressing a willingness to engage with federations, clubs, partners, and athletes to continue improving Brazilian football.
