Neymar first player removed under CBF’s new one‑minute rule in Brazil

Neymar became the first player in Brazil's Serie A to be temporarily taken off the pitch under a new CBF rule aimed at reducing time-wasting when goalkeepers receive on-field medical attention. The captain of Santos was required to leave the field for one minute during the 3:0 win over Vasco da Gama, although he was neither injured, sent off nor substituted.

How the new measure worked in practice

The unusual episode unfolded in the middle of the first half at São Januário. Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão needed medical attention after a challenge, and under the regulations introduced by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) a player from his team must leave the pitch for one minute while the goalkeeper is attended.

Under the rule the coach or the captain must designate which player will spend the minute off; if no player is selected within the prescribed time, the team's captain must leave the field. Neymar was wearing the captain's armband for Santos and therefore was the one who went to the touchline.

After one minute elapsed the referee, Lucas Casagrande, allowed Neymar to return to play. The measure is intended to eliminate any incentive for teams to gain an advantage by having their goalkeeper request treatment simply to stop play, give teammates a rest, or provide extra time for instructions from the bench.

Ironically, Neymar had to spend a second minute off later in the same match when he himself received medical attention; the new rules also require a player who is treated on the field to wait at least one minute after play restarts before re-entering.

These measures were in force for the first weekend of their trial in the Brazilian Serie A. The CBF introduced them after agreement with the clubs; similar experiments are expected in other competitions, including matches in England. After the opening weekend the CBF reported that in the first nine matches of round 23 the ball was in play on average 55 minutes and 29 seconds — roughly a five percent increase compared with the previous period.

The temporary removal did not spoil Santos's night: they beat Vasco 3:0 to climb out of the relegation zone. All three goals came in the second half, scored by Gabigol, Willian Arão and Luan Peres; Neymar was involved in the build-up to the latter two.

“NEYMAR HAD TO STAY 1 MINUTE OUT! ❌ Gabriel Brazão needed medical attention and, under the new rule, a Santos player had to remain 1 minute off after the goalkeeper received treatment. The chosen one was Neymar.”

Marija Kovačeva

Photo: press material from the event