The National Association of Football Referees (ANAF) has called for the suspension of the Brazilian Championship following allegations of match manipulation by Botafogo owner John Textor.
ANAF President Salmo Valentim stated, “For the good of football, the Brasileirão needs to be stopped! Referees are ready to protest the indifference and disregard from CBF’s president.”
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Despite Valentim’s call, ANAF lacks significant support from national team referees and has ongoing conflicts with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) leadership under Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Rodrigues has been criticized for not paying female referees and his overall management approach. Valentim highlighted the issues, saying, “The situation has reached a crisis point where it’s not just about unpaid salaries but about the integrity of football itself.”
Following Textor’s testimony and the presentation of reports from Good Game supporting match-fixing claims, the use of VAR has come under scrutiny. Valentim noted, “We have a large group of referees who, in protest, wish to interrupt the championship in upcoming rounds.”
The CBF has not commented on these accusations and the ongoing dispute within its ranks.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
The first and second episodes are available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel and the series will receive weekly releases to tell this legend’s life story.
