Brazil’s top two football divisions could be on the verge of a structural shift, as clubs move toward establishing an independent league separate from the governing body.
The 40 professional clubs from the country’s Série A and Série B have reportedly held discussions with the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) regarding the creation of a new competition model that would transfer control of the league system away from the federation.
The proposed structure would mirror models seen in other major football markets, such as the Premier League in England and Serie A in Italy, where league operations are managed independently from national federations.
Under the proposal, the new league would assume responsibility for key areas including broadcasting rights, financial regulation, and overall competition governance. Clubs are seeking greater influence over revenue distribution, financial fair play rules, and administrative decision-making.
Currently, the CBF maintains central control over Brazil’s domestic competitions, including the top-flight Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil. The shift being discussed would represent a significant decentralization of authority within Brazilian football.
CBF president Samir Xaud has signaled openness to collaboration rather than confrontation, describing the discussions as an important moment for the future of the sport in the country. He emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders as the structure of Brazilian football evolves.
Alongside the structural debate, the CBF has already introduced financial regulations aimed at improving the economic stability of clubs. These measures include limits on debt accumulation and spending, with enforcement mechanisms such as fines, transfer restrictions, points deductions, and potential administrative sanctions for serious violations.
The push for an independent league highlights a broader trend in global football, where clubs are increasingly seeking greater autonomy over commercial rights and financial governance. However, aligning the diverse interests of clubs across different competitive and economic levels remains a central challenge as discussions continue.