Self-exclusion to become mandatory for referees in Brazil

The Paulista Football Federation (FPF) has recommended that affiliated referees and clubs register in the federal betting self-exclusion system launched in December 2025. 

Once enrolled, registered CPFs, Brazil’s individual taxpayer numbers, are blocked from accessing licensed betting platforms and receiving related advertising.

For referees, the measure will soon become mandatory following the publication of the new national General Arbitration Regulation. 

For clubs, the guidance remains a recommendation. Brazilian legislation already prohibits individuals capable of influencing sporting outcomes, including athletes, referees, executives and staff, from placing bets. 

The Brazilian Football Confederation adopted a similar procedure before the start of the Campeonato Brasileiro, instructing 72 professional referees to register their CPFs in the system.

According to official data, 217,000 individuals have already requested exclusion via the platform. 

Of those who provided a reason, 37% cited “loss of control over gambling and mental health” as their primary motivation, while 25% selected “to prevent my data from being used by betting platforms.” 

Registration is completed through a dedicated website. Users first select the exclusion period, indefinite or one, three, six, nine or 12 months. 

Regarding duration, 73% opted for an indefinite block and 19% chose a one-year exclusion period.

During that time, the registered CPF is prevented from accessing betting environments. An optional second step asks users to indicate their reasons, which the Federal Government says helps improve understanding of the factors driving self-exclusion.

The platform is part of a five-year Technical Cooperation Agreement on gaming and betting between federal ministries. 

The agreement includes the development of mental health information materials, a direct communication channel between ministries and full data sharing.

The FPF’s move effectively operationalizes that legal requirement through a technological compliance tool.