The decision by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to implement a set of rules aimed at requiring more responsible financial management from teams, called “financial fair play”, is healthy for the country’s clubs. Inspired by the models of the European leagues, the new system should be implemented gradually until 2028. Officially called Financial Sustainability System (SSF), it is based on four points: control of unpaid debts, operational balance, control of staff expenses and short-term debt.
Brazilian football presents glaring financial disparities. On the one hand, there are clean and well-managed clubs. On the other hand, teams in debt, who spend fortunes to build teams, don’t even have money to pay their employees. It is true that the football companies (SAF) have ensured more professional management, but the imbalance persists. The complaint of clubs who adopt austere management and find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those who take on unsustainable debts to finance star castings or who simply pretend to be rich is valid.
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For unpaid debts, the new system provides for a check three times a year (debts prior to 2026 must be settled before November 30, 2026 and clubs must close the year with an operational surplus). The cost of the squads (salaries, charges, image rights, depreciation) must be less than or equal to 70% of the sum of revenues, transfers and contributions. Net short-term debt must be equal to or less than 45% of relevant revenue (there will be a transition period until 2027 for clubs to adapt). When adapting the system to the Brazilian reality, it was decided not to set limits on capital contributions.
The creation of a National Football Regulation and Sustainable Development Agency (Anresf) is planned. It will be independent and will be responsible for monitoring, inspecting, judging and applying sanctions. In the case of clubs, they include public warning, fine, withholding of income, ban on recruiting players, deduction of points, demotion and even revocation of license. For individuals, warnings, fines, suspensions and bans are provided.
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There are good examples to follow, such as Flamengo and Palmeiras, clubs that went through difficult times years ago, but managed to get back on their feet, contain their expenses, clean up their finances and adopt business management. Today, with their bills up to date, they are the ones who earn the most. This allows them to have good structures and form competitive teams. It is no coincidence that in recent years they have dominated the main competitions of the country and the continent.
Although financial fair play has been discussed with clubs, it is unclear to what extent the standards will be respected. It would be desirable for the balance of accounts to become a real concern. Brazilian football would only win. Financially healthier clubs tend to be more successful. The cleaner the clubs, the more balanced, competitive and exciting the championships will be.
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