Brazilian football associations expand referee training and VAR roles

The Mato Grosso Football Federation (FMF) is increasing investments in referee training and qualification to support a growing competition calendar. The federation plans to certify 18 professionals for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties by December and is establishing the Mato Grosso School of Football Refereeing (EMTAF). This new training program will feature hubs in Cuiabá, Sinop, and Rondonópolis, offering a 280-hour course combining in-person and online instruction.

In a separate development, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has promoted referee Flávio Gomes Barroca to the Avar Master category, the highest classification for video officiating within the entity. Barroca, a member of the Rio Grande do Norte Football Federation (FNF), achieved this promotion after completing 150 matches as a video assistant referee in the Brazilian Championship Serie A.