CBF welcomes British consul general on visit in Rio de Janeiro

CBF greeted British consul general during visit to Rio de Janeiro On Friday (23), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) warmly accepted the presence of British Consul General in Rio de Janeiro, Edward Haxton. The primary objective of the meeting was to bolster institutional dialogue and explore potential avenues for exchanging experiences between Brazilian and English football.

Present at the event were CBF President Samir Xaud, Executive Director Helder Melillo, Secretary General Alcino Rocha, and Director of International Affairs Roberto Oliveira. Haxton was accompanied by Raiza Martinelli, the Consulate’s Senior Economic Director.

During the meeting, CBF officials showcased initiatives central to the ongoing modernisation of Brazilian football, which include implementing Financial Fair Play regulations, bolstering refereeing systems, and deliberations on establishing a national league. The Premier League's operational model, widely recognized as a global benchmark for league management and organization, was a significant focal point of the discussions.

Edward Haxton, Helder Melillo, and Samir Xaud engaged in a fruitful exchange at the CBF, with the meeting serving as an opportunity to coordinate joint ventures between Brazilian and English football. Samir Xaud remarked, "The Premier League is one of our inspirations in the modernisation process the CBF is currently undergoing. We have been making important structural changes and are looking to learn about best practices from other leagues to strengthen Brazilian football."

An essential aspect of the organisation's strategy involves cultivating deeper connections with English football. In January of this year, CBF representatives embarked on a study visit to Europe, including the Premier League, to gain insights into football experiences and organisational models across the continent, for the purpose of modernising Brazilian football.

The Friday meeting also opened doors to emerging opportunities for collaboration, one of which entails organizing a knowledge-sharing programme in 2027 involving CBF, Brazilian clubs and associations, Premier League, and English clubs to further the exchange of expertise on league organization and development.

British Consul General Edward Haxton emphasized the significance of forging closer ties and expressed his delight at the prospect of contributing to dialogue between the institutions. As a token of appreciation, Haxton was presented with a personalized Brazil national team shirt. The diplomat expressed his gratitude for the gift, stating, "The best present I have received in Brazil."