The CBF decided to dismiss Rodrigo Cintra, current president of the Arbitration Commission. In his place, another former referee took over: Sandro Meira Ricci. The change was announced by the board of Samir Xaud, president of the CBF just over a year ago.
Now former head of refereeing at CBF, Rodrigo Cintra gave a talk to Seleção players at Granja Comary last week.
Cintra had held the position since February 2025, announced by then president Ednaldo Rodrigues. He was one of those responsible for implementing the professionalization of refereeing, which began in 2026. 10 days ago, he gave a talk to Carlo Ancelotti’s group about FIFA rules at Granja Comary, in preparation of the National Team for the 2026 World Cup.
Former FIFA referee, Ricci refereed the 2018 World Cup in Russia and retired shortly afterwards. He was a referee for more than 15 years, between games in all divisions of Brazilian football and even Libertadores, Club World Cup and Copa América.
The new exchange is subject to evaluation by the CBF management, which has made some changes since Ednaldo’s departure. Cintra should not be the only one to leave the arbitration committee. A good part of the work team that arrived with him will leave the CBF. Péricles Bassols continues as technical manager of VAR.
Minas Gerais from Poços de Caldas, Ricci is the fourth name in charge of arbitration since 2020. All with a short history. He works as a referee analyst in the American Soccer League (MLS).
Last year he was part of the international committee of experts, implemented by Cintra, although it was short-lived. In addition to Ricci, former referees Nestor Pitana and Nicola Rizolli deliberated on moves in Série A and Copa do Brasil matches.
Constant exchanges
- Between 2016 and 2019, the head was Colonel Marinho.
- From 2019 to 2021, Leonardo Gaciba headed the arbitration department.
- Between 2022 and 2025, Wilson Seneme, ex-Conmebol, was the head of the department.
- From February 2025 to June 2026, Rodrigo Cintra was the president of the Arbitration Commission.
