CBF Referees Sidelined Following Controversial Copa do Brasil Match

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) removed referee Anderson Daronco and VAR official Rodrigo D'Alonso Ferreira from upcoming assignments following severe complaints from Vasco regarding their officiating during the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals between Palmeiras and Vasco.

The controversy erupted after Vasco officials met with representatives from the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation and CBF leadership to contest multiple pivotal calls from the match. The disputed incidents included a potential penalty for a handball by Barboza inside the Palmeiras box, the ejection of Saldivia, and perceived inconsistencies in disciplinary criteria.

The most heavily debated moment occurred during the second half when Barboza made arm-to-ball contact inside the penalty area during a challenge involving Lescano. Referee Daronco allowed play to continue, and the video assistant referee, managed by Rodrigo D'Alonso Ferreira, elected not to recommend an on-field review.

Vasco also strongly objected to the dismissal of Saldivia, who received a second yellow card following a foul committed against Vitor Roque. Furthermore, the club argued that the officiating crew applied uneven standards when evaluating disciplinary infractions between the competing squads.

Initial reports from the Brazilian outlet Globoesporte indicated that both match officials would be removed from upcoming rounds for an unspecified duration without an immediate timeline for their return.

However, contradictory accounts regarding the disciplinary action quickly emerged across Brazilian media. While the initial reports claimed a formal suspension, the Band television network stated that the CBF denied any formal sanction, noting that Daronco remained scheduled to officiate an upcoming Serie B fixture between Avai and Sao Bernardo.