In a significant move to strengthen ties with regional football, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) paid an institutional visit to the Gaúcha Federation in Porto Alegre this Tuesday. Led by president Samir Xaud, the CBF delegation met with clubs from Rio Grande do Sul at the Gaúcha Football Federation (FGF) headquarters, marking another step in the organization's commitment to understanding and promoting football across Brazil.
The visit underscores CBF's open-door policy, aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the realities of football in each state. This hands-on approach reflects a broader effort to build a more connected and collaborative football community nationwide.
The event kicked off with FGF president Luciano Hocsman welcoming the CBF team, which included vice-president Ricardo Gluck Paul, executive director of management Helder Melillo, and director of refereeing Netto Góes. Also in attendance was STJD president Luís Otávio Veríssimo, adding to the high-level dialogue.
After the meeting, the delegation headed to the iconic Beira-Rio Stadium, where Internacional was set to face Athletic-MG in the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil. Before the match, Samir Xaud addressed the local media, emphasizing that the gathering with Rio Grande do Sul clubs and the FGF epitomizes the "hallmark of his administration."
"I want to thank president Luciano for the invitation to make this visit to the federation, together with the clubs. This is the hallmark of our administration. It means being closer to the clubs, so we can build Brazilian football together," Xaud said, highlighting the humanized approach that has defined his leadership.
Under Xaud's guidance, the CBF has made it a priority to regularly engage with federations and clubs from all corners of Brazil, reinforcing a vision of football that is inclusive, transparent, and deeply rooted in the sport's grassroots. For fans and players in Rio Grande do Sul—a state with a rich football heritage—this visit signals a promising era of collaboration and mutual growth.