CBF brings forward Brazilian games after controversy in the Copa do Brasil

Lucas Figueiredo/CBF

Amidst the imbroglio regarding the dates of the second legs of the Copa do Brasil semi-final, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the anticipation of Atlético-MG, Vasco, Corinthians and Flamengo games in the Brazilian Championship.

As the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals was scheduled for the 19th and 20th of October, the CBF brought forward the teams’ games in the Brasileirão to the 16th and 17th.

See Brasileirão game dates

16/10, at 9:45 pm – São Paulo x Vasco
16/10, at 9:45 pm – Fortaleza x Atlético-MG
17/10, at 8pm – Flamengo x Fluminense
17/10, at 8pm – Corinthians x Athletico-PR

Imbroglio in the Brazilian Cup

Initially, the second legs of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals were supposed to be scheduled on October 16th or 17th. However, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the clashes for the 19th and 20th of October, a measure publicly criticized by Vasco and Corinthians, who understand that Atlético-MG and Flamengo are being favored.

On the initial base date, the clash would be on the week of the 16th, right after the end of the FIFA Date. However, at the request of Galo himself and Flamengo, who face Corinthians in the other semi-final, the return matches were scheduled for the weekend.

According to the CBF, the changes were made with the approval of the holder of broadcasting rights for the Copa do Brasil and Brasileirão. Furthermore, he cited the dates chosen by Conmebol for the semi-final between Atlético-MG and River Plate-ARG to change the dates of the national competition.

Clubs criticize

This Tuesday (1st), the clubs published official notes criticizing each other. On the one hand, Atlético-MG and Flamengo defend the change of date, as this way they would have all the players available after the FIFA Date. On the other hand, Vasco and Corinthians are against it, as they understand that the previously established dates should not be changed.

Vasco and Corinthians even went to the Superior Court of Sports Justice to demand that the CBF go back on setting the dates for the second leg games of the Copa do Brasil semi-final.

Source: CNN