The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) announced this Wednesday (26) the rules of financial fair play, a set of rules that aim to balance the accounts of the country’s clubs.
The Brazilian model, called SSF (Financial Sustainability System), will be based on standards already adopted abroad, establishing limits for debts, squad expenses, debt capacity and operational balance of Brazilian clubs.
The system will be implemented gradually from 2026 and will be supervised by a new independent agency, ANRESF (National Agency for Football Regulation and Sustainability).
Financial fair play in Brazilian football will be based on four pillars:
- control of outstanding debts
- operational balance
- cost control with casting
- short-term debt capacity
The points were inspired by patterns already well established in leagues in England, France and Spain.
“Our financial sustainability system will not just be an administrative measure, but a tool of justice, balance and protection for football,” said Samir Xaud, president of the CBF.
Regarding outstanding debts, the model provides for inspection three times a year: March 31st, July 31st and November 31st.
Debts prior to 2026 must be settled by November 30, 2026. Debts assumed from January 1, 2026 will already be subject to the new rules.
As for operational balance, the rule establishes that clubs must close the year with an operational surplus (difference between income and expenses greater than 0).
For clubs in Series A of the Brazilian Championship, the maximum deficit is R$30 million or 2.5% of revenue. For those in B, R$10 million or 2.5% of revenue.
Regarding the control of casting costs, the text of the model says that the cost of the squad (consisting of salaries, charges, image rights and amortization) must be equal to or less than 70% of the sum of revenues, transfers and contributions.
The transition will be made in 2026 and 2027, with results reported in 2025 and 2026 subject to warning. From 2028 onwards, the cost can reach a limit of 80% for Series A and B and from the following year, a limit of 70% for Series A and 80% for B.
In relation to short-term debt, Brazilian rules define that net short-term debt must be equal to or less than 45% of relevant revenues. The transition will be until 2027, with results reported in 2025 and 2026 that violate the warning. From 2028 to 2030, implementation will be gradual, with a limit of 60% for 2028, 50% for 2029 and a definitive limit of 45% from 2030 onwards.
