Flamengo criticizes the way the CBF presented the rules and votes against foreign player limits
Flamengo was one of two clubs to oppose the reduction of the foreign player limit for lineups starting in 2027. The decision was made during a meeting held this Monday (21) in Rio de Janeiro. Club president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, defended the club’s stance and, during his argument, requested that the CBF also consider discussing the relaxation of other rules, such as the limit on matches played for internal transfers within the Brazilian Serie A.
According to Bap, the limitation imposed by the governing body makes it difficult to sign high-level athletes, forcing clubs to look for players in the international market due to the current rule that restricts internal transfers to 12 matches.
The CBF, however, chose not to include Flamengo‘s suggestion on the meeting’s agenda, as the topic had not been previously communicated. In response, the Rubro-Negro executive voted against both the foreign player limit and the gradual increase in registered young players—measures that the CBF intends to implement. Bap’s initial stance would have been to accept both proposals, but the lack of prior notice and the “top-down” approach by the CBF were seen as negative factors.
The governing body of Brazilian football promised to analyze Flamengo‘s suggestion in future meetings, which will discuss the calendar and other relevant issues for the development of national football.
Reducing foreign players and youth quotas: what changes?
Currently, clubs can list up to nine foreign players per match. The proposal approved by the majority of clubs in the meeting with the CBF provides for a gradual reduction: starting in 2027, the limit will be eight foreigners, and by 2030, the number will drop to five.
The goal is to stimulate the development of Brazilian athletes, countering the high average age in the Brazilian Serie A, which currently stands at 28.5 years—higher than in other major leagues such as Spain, France, and Italy.
Flamengo, which currently has 10 foreign players on its roster (Rossi, Varela, De la Cruz, Saúl, Pulgar, Arrascaeta, Plata, Valencia, Joaquín Freitas, and Carrascal), voted against the measure, as did Bahia.
Additionally, an increase in the number of young athletes on rosters was approved. Starting in 2027, clubs will be able to register 50 players in the Brazilian Serie A, 20 of whom must be 23 years old or younger. The goal is to balance this proportion by 2030, with 25 unrestricted players and 25 players under the age of 23.
