Corinthians forward Memphis Depay has criticised the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) after it issued a directive penalising players for standing on the ball during matches — a skill move that recently sparked controversy.
The CBF announced that any player who stands on the ball with both feet will receive a yellow card, and the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free-kick. The decision follows Depay’s use of the move during injury time in Corinthians' Paulista A1 final victory over Palmeiras on March 28.
The Dutch international performed the skill near the corner flag after faking a cross into the box. His show of flair infuriated several Palmeiras players, triggering a mass altercation involving both teams. The chaos resulted in the dismissals of Palmeiras substitute goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba and Corinthians midfielder Jose Martinez after an extended VAR review, which added more than 18 minutes of stoppage time.
In a statement to clubs, the CBF deemed the action a "provocation to a rival" and claimed it "disrespects the game."
Depay, 31, who joined Corinthians earlier this season, took to social media to voice his disapproval of the ruling, arguing that it undermines the spirit of Brazilian football.
“I came to Brazil to experience Jogo Bonito — the beautiful game — but now the CBF says no player can stand on the ball or they’ll get a yellow card,” Depay wrote on X. “It may not be the most important part of football, but I don’t see the problem. There’s so much talent here. The joy, the passion, the way we express ourselves on the pitch — that shouldn’t be restricted.”
He went on to question the CBF’s priorities: “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 rules that improve the sport and decisions that benefit clubs, fans, and players — not silly announcements like this.”
Depay’s criticism was echoed by fellow Brazilian star Neymar, who shared a pointed message on Instagram: “Football is getting more and more boring.”