In a letter sent to state clubs and federations on Friday (4), the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) warned that players who rise on the ball during matches of the Brazilian Championship will be punished with yellow card.
For the CBF, the gesture, held “with the purpose of provocation to the opposing team”, “has caused an inconvenience in the game environment, produced widespread clashes and greatly harmed the image of the sport.”
The statement was sent just over a week after Corinthians Dutch Memphis Depay had climbed both feet on the ball in the Paulista Championship final, played against Palmeiras.
“The CBF arbitration committee guided the referees who, identifying the once mentioned attitude, should sanction with an indirect free shoot, in favor of the opposing team, to be charged at the site of infringement, and warn the offender with yellow card,” says the document.
Memphis criticized the confederation decision. Going up the ball, wrote in a post, “It’s not such an important factor in football, but I don’t see a problem with that.” “I really wonder: how is the board of CBF? Who is deciding the future of so beautiful football in this country?”
The player added: “Let’s focus on rules that really improve the sport and on the commercial side of football, when it benefits clubs, fans and players – in these meaningless ads.”
The punishment of the yellow card gesture is not unprecedented. In 2023, Soteldo climbed the ball in Santos match against Vasco. The attitude created confusion on the field, and the player received the referee’s card.
