The CBF has confirmed the officiating crew for the clash between Flamengo and Internacional in the 21st round of the Brazilian Serie A, sparking debate among the Rubro-Negro fan base.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced on Thursday (23) the refereeing crew for the matchup between Flamengo and Internacional, valid for the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The match, which is expected to be a highlight of next Wednesday (29) at 7:30 PM at Beira-Rio, will be officiated by referee Matheus Delgado Candançan, from the state of São Paulo.
The selection of Candançan to referee the Mais Querido‘s fixture in Porto Alegre has reignited discussions regarding the national entity’s appointment criteria. The referee from São Paulo will be assisted by Guilherme Dias Camilo (MG) and Evandro de Melo Lima (SP), while VAR duties will be handled by Diego Pombo Lopez (BA).
Candançan’s history with Mengão
At 28, Matheus Delgado Candançan has a recent and interesting history with Flamengo. In his three previous matches officiating the club, all were against opponents from Rio Grande do Sul. The record, however, warrants caution: in 2024, the Rubro-Negro lost to both Juventude (2-1) and Grêmio (3-2). The only victory under his supervision occurred last year, in a 6-0 thrashing of Juventude at the Maracanã.
Recent controversy in the fans’ memory
The referee’s name is etched in the minds of the Nação due to a troubled episode during the match against Grêmio. On that occasion, Candançan sent off striker Carlinhos early in the second half following a controversial play involving Kannemann. The Grêmio defender convinced the VAR of an assault, and the referee, who was not in a direct line of sight of the play, ended up accepting the technological recommendation.
Projections and opinion
Before the clash on Gaucho soil, Flamengo‘s focus is set on São Paulo this Sunday (26) at the Maracanã. That match will be officiated by Anderson Daronco, a name well-known to the fans with a history of 51 games involving the club, resulting in 27 wins.
Regarding the appointment of a referee from São Paulo for the game against Inter, the internal analysis is clear: “I would avoid referees from São Paulo officiating Flamengo matches, just as I would not place officials from Rio de Janeiro in Palmeiras matches. Referees are already under enough natural pressure, and the CBF lacks the concern to avoid having a referee from the São Paulo Federation—the same one as Palmeiras—officiating a Mengo duel,” stated journalist Pedro Paulo Catonho.
Flamengo continues its preparations, seeking to keep the focus on the pitch to overcome not only its opponents but also the challenges posed by the officiating environment in the decisive stretch of the season.
