Brazilian football: referee for Chapecoense-Cruzeiro match named, Juventude signs ex-Portuguesa midfielder

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that veteran referee Raphael Claus will officiate the first‑leg Copa do Brasil round‑of‑16 match between Chapecoense and Cruzeiro, scheduled for 18:30 (Brasília time) on Sunday at Arena Condá in Chapecó. Claus will be assisted by Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis and Alex Sandro Quadros Thome, with Rodrigo Guarizo serving as the video‑assistant referee.

Juventude, currently second in Brazil's Serie B, confirmed the signing of 32‑year‑old midfielder Gabriel Pires. The former Portuguesa player, who featured in the Paulista championship this year, joins the club as it pushes for promotion to Serie A.