Corinthians forward Memphis Depay has voiced strong opposition to the Brazil Football Federation’s (CBF) decision to penalize players for standing on the ball during matches.
The ruling, which enforces a yellow card and awards an indirect free-kick to the opposing team, has sparked debate about the balance between flair and sportsmanship in Brazilian football.
The controversy arose after Depay performed the move in injury time during Corinthians’ Paulista A1 final victory against Palmeiras on March 28.
His skillful display near the corner flag, which included feigning a cross, infuriated Palmeiras players and led to a mass brawl. The altercation resulted in red cards for Palmeiras substitute goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba and Corinthians midfielder Jose Martinez, following an 18-minute VAR review.
In a letter to clubs, the CBF justified the ban, calling the act a “provocation to a rival” and a violation of the game’s spirit.
However, Depay, 31, criticized the decision as stifling creativity and passion. “I came to Brazil to experience Jogo Bonito [the beautiful game], but now the CBF has banned standing on the ball,” Depay wrote on X. “The joy and passion of expressing ourselves on the field shouldn’t be limited.”
Depay’s sentiments were echoed by Santos forward Neymar, who lamented on Instagram that “football is getting more and more boring.”
