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The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) has advised referees to punish players for standing on the ball. Officials have been urged to show a yellow card and award an indirect free-kick when the skill is performed. It comes after Memphis Depay sparked a mass brawl during last month's Paulista final between Corinthians and Palmeiras. Players from both sides were involved after Depay had feigned to cross before standing on the ball in a bid to run the clock down. The CBF confirmed the decision in a statement after consulting with South American football's governing body, CONMEBOL. It read: "Last week, CONMEBOL instructed international referees and advisors working in continental competitions (Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana) on the need to comply with the technical and disciplinary measure, indirect free kick and yellow card, respectively, when an athlete performs the aforementioned act. " However, Depay has taken exception to the rule change and hit out at the decision on social media. The 31-year-old wrote on X: "So I really went to Brazil to also experience jogo Bonita (the beautiful game) first hand but now the CBF announced yesterday that no player can’t stand on the ball or the player will receive a yellow card. "It was decided after I did balance on the ball for a couple seconds in the last finale of the Paulista Cup. Not that it is such an important factor in football but I don’t see the issue here. "Brazilian football is elevating… and deserves global visibility! There is so much talent over here. The joy and passion in the way of expressing ourselves on the field shouldn’t be limited. "So I really wonder what the board of the CBF looks like… Who’s deciding the future of this beautiful football country? "Let’s focus on what rules can improve the sport and focus on the business side of football what benefits the clubs, the fans and players instead of these silly announcements. " Depay also shared a snap of him standing on the ball against Palmeiras on March 28. Alongside the picture, he wrote 'good morning' in Portuguese. Neymar also hit out at the move on Instagram, writing in a post: "Football is getting more and more boring. " Depay joined Corinthians on a two-year deal in September following his exit from Atletico Madrid. The former Manchester United star has since scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. His triumph in the Paulista final against Corinthians is the only trophy he has won since moving to Brazil. Depay's side held on to draw the second leg 0-0 and secure a 1-0 aggregate victory over their bitter rivals. Corinthians are next in domestic action on Saturday when they face Palmeiras away from home once again in the Brasileirão. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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