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Copa FGF
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 2014 logo, in posthumous tribute to Fernandão. | |
| Founded | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Region |  Rio Grande do Sul |
| Teams | 22 |
| Current champions | São José (2nd title) |
| Most championships | Internacional Juventude Lajeadense Novo Hamburgo Pelotas São Luiz São José (2 titles each) |
| Website | Official website |
The Copa Federação Gaúcha de Futebol, commonly known as the Copa FGF, is an annual cup competition organized by the Rio Grande do Sul state football federation for clubs that are in the first, second and third divisions of the Campeonato Gaúcho. It is held in the second half of the year and usually clubs participating in the higher levels of the Campeonato Brasileiro do not participate with the first team squad, using their academies.
The competition was founded in 2004 being the most important knockout cup competition in Rio Grande do Sul football. It was created with the objective of filling the calendar of smaller teams, as the Campeonato Gaúcho runs only in the first months of the year, leaving many smaller teams of the state without games to play on the rest of the year, thus, the Copa FGF is considered a competition that values local Gaúcho football, because the greatest clubs in the state, Grêmio and Internacional, usually play the cup with their academy teams, opening up the possibility of smaller clubs of the state win the title. The winners of the Copa FGF faces the winners of the Campeonato Gaúcho at the super cup Recopa Gaúcha.
The Copa FGF usually receive a different name in each edition, honoring important people related to football in Rio Grande do Sul. The 2014 edition is called Copa Fernandão, in posthumous tribute to former Internacional footballer who died in June of the same year.
The current holders are São Luiz after beating Passo Fundo in the 2022 finals. The 2023 edition has been renamed to Copa Rei Pelé after Pelé's passing in December 2022.
Format
[edit]Competition
[edit]The competition is a knockout tournament with pairings for first round (round of 22) drawn at random, being the best placed club in the FGF Club Ranking plays the first leg at away. If that club wins by a difference of two or more goals, it will be automatically qualified for the next round. The same rules serves to Round of 12. From the quarter-finals, the order of matches is decided by lot and the second leg is required.
Twenty-two clubs beginning in the round of 22, being the winners and the best loser advancing to the second round. In the round of 12, the winners and the two best losers qualify for the quarter-finals. Thereafter, only the winners advance to the semifinals and the finals.
Qualification for competitions
[edit]The Copa FGF winners qualify for the following season's Copa do Brasil. Currently, the competition does not grant more qualifying for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D, because since the creation of the Super Copa Gaúcha, this new competition received that right for the champion. However, the Copa FGF winner also qualifies for this cup, having the opportunity to qualify for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D.
Champions
[edit]| Season | Name | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Copa LG/Colombo | Esportivo | Gaúcho |
| 2005 | Copa FGF | Novo Hamburgo | Ulbra |
| 2006 | Copa FGF | Grêmio | Ulbra |
| 2007 | Copa Rogério Amoretty | Caxias | Brasil de Pelotas |
| 2008 | Copa Lupi Martins | Pelotas | Cerâmica |
| 2009 | Copa Arthur Dallegrave | Internacional B | Ypiranga |
| 2010 | Copa Enio Costamilan | Internacional | Cerâmica |
| 2011 | Copa Dra. Lacy Ughini | Juventude | Lajeadense |
| 2012 | Copa Hélio Dourado | Juventude | Brasil de Pelotas |
| 2013 | Copa Willy Sanvitto | Novo Hamburgo | São José |
| 2014 | Copa Fernandão | Lajeadense | Guarani-VA |
| 2015 | Copa Luiz Fernando Costa | Lajeadense | Pelotas |
| 2016 | Not held | ||
| 2017 | Copa Paulo Sant'Ana | São José | Aimoré |
| 2018 | Copa Wianey Carlet | Avenida | Gaúcho |
| 2019 | Copa Seu Verardi | Pelotas | São José |
| 2020 | Troféu Ibsen Pinheiro | Santa Cruz | São José |
| 2021 | Troféu Dirceu de Castro | Glória | Novo Hamburgo |
| 2022 | Troféu Tarciso Flecha Negra | São Luiz | Passo Fundo |
| 2023 | Copa Rei Pelé | São Luiz | São José |
| 2024 | Copa Zagallo | São José | Ypiranga |
| 2025 | Copa Professor Ruy Carlos Ostermann | ||
Records and statistics
[edit]List of champions
[edit]Below is the complete list of winners and runners-up of the competition.
| Club | Won | Runner-up | Years won | Years runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São José | 2 | 4 | 2017, 2024 | 2013, 2019, 2020, 2023 |
| Lajeadense | 2 | 1 | 2014, 2015 | 2011 |
| Pelotas | 2 | 1 | 2008, 2019 | 2015 |
| Novo Hamburgo | 2 | 1 | 2005, 2013 | 2021 |
| Juventude | 2 | 0 | 2011, 2012 | — |
| Internacional | 2 | 0 | 2009, 2010 | — |
| São Luiz | 2 | 0 | 2022, 2023 | – |
| Santa Cruz | 1 | 0 | 2020 | — |
| Avenida | 1 | 0 | 2018 | — |
| Caxias | 1 | 0 | 2007 | — |
| Grêmio | 1 | 0 | 2006 | — |
| Esportivo | 1 | 0 | 2004 | — |
| Glória | 1 | 0 | 2021 | — |
| Gaúcho | 0 | 2 | — | 2004, 2018 |
| Brasil de Pelotas | 0 | 2 | — | 2007, 2012 |
| Canoas | 0 | 2 | — | 2005, 2006 |
| Cerâmica | 0 | 2 | — | 2008, 2010 |
| Ypiranga | 0 | 2 | — | 2009, 2024 |
| Passo Fundo | 0 | 1 | - | 2022 |
| Aimoré | 0 | 1 | — | 2017 |
| Guarani-VA | 0 | 1 | — | 2014 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]External links
[edit]- FGF website. Federação Gaúcha de Futebol.
Copa FGF
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Establishment
The Copa FGF was established in 2004 by the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF) as a knockout cup competition to provide competitive opportunities for clubs in Rio Grande do Sul during the second half of the year, filling a gap in the football calendar after the conclusion of the Campeonato Gaúcho and Divisão de Acesso in the first six months.[9] This initiative aimed primarily at lower-division teams not competing in higher national tiers, allowing them to maintain activity and development, while also enabling major clubs such as Grêmio and Internacional to field youth and reserve squads for match practice.[10][11] The inaugural edition in 2004 featured 28 participating teams and was sponsored under the name Copa Colombo/LG, culminating in a victory for Esportivo, which defeated Juventude in the final to claim the first title.[9][12] From its inception, the tournament has adopted annual naming conventions based on sponsorships or tributes to notable figures in Gaúcho football, such as Copa Fernandão in 2014 honoring the late Internacional icon Fernandão, Copa Rei Pelé in 2023 commemorating Pelé's legacy following his passing, and Copa Professor Ruy Carlos Ostermann in 2025 paying homage to the prominent journalist and sports commentator Ruy Carlos Ostermann, who died in June 2025.[13][14]Evolution and interruptions
The Copa FGF experienced significant growth in its early years, expanding participation to include a broader range of clubs from lower divisions and academy teams affiliated with larger organizations. While the inaugural 2004 edition featured 28 teams, subsequent years saw fluctuations, with 23 participants in 2006, 17 in 2007, and stabilization around 18 to 22 teams by the late 2000s and early 2010s, reflecting efforts to accommodate third-division sides and youth development squads.[9] Format changes were introduced to enhance competitiveness and inclusivity, such as the addition of a preliminary round in 2008 to handle up to 20 teams divided into groups, with the top performers advancing to knockout stages. By 2012, the structure evolved further to incorporate two-legged ties beginning at the quarterfinals, allowing for more balanced matchups and increased match revenue for participating clubs. The competition faced a notable interruption in 2016, when no edition was held due to scheduling conflicts arising from the promotion of the Super Copa Gaúcha as the primary second-semester state tournament, amid broader restructuring of the Gaúcho football calendar.[15] Recent developments have emphasized resilience and adaptation, particularly following COVID-19 disruptions; the 2020 edition proceeded under the Troféu Ibsen Pinheiro with a condensed format to comply with health protocols, while 2021 maintained similar adjustments to prioritize player safety. The 2025 edition, titled Copa Professor Ruy Carlos Ostermann, continues this trajectory with heightened integration of youth players from academy systems, aiming to foster talent development amid ongoing calendar challenges. In total, 21 editions have been conducted from 2004 to 2025, excluding the 2016 hiatus.[4]Format
Competition structure
The Copa FGF 2025 adopts a hybrid format combining a preliminary round-robin stage with subsequent knockout phases to determine the champion among nine participating teams.[16] The first phase, known as Classificatória I, features all nine teams in a single group playing a single round-robin schedule of single-leg matches, with each team contesting eight games.[16] The top six teams advance based on classification criteria, where the first and second-placed teams proceed directly to the semifinals, while teams finishing third through sixth enter the quarterfinal stage (Classificatória II).[16] In the knockout stages, Classificatória II consists of four teams divided into two ties, played as two-legged matches (home and away), with the winners advancing to the semifinals.[16] The semifinals and final are also contested over two legs, with higher-seeded teams hosting the second leg to provide a home advantage.[16] Draw procedures for the knockout ties are determined by the teams' rankings from the first phase, ensuring seeded matchups without random draws for initial pairings.[16] All matches follow standard regulations, including two 45-minute halves and a maximum of five substitutions divided into three intervals.[16] Tiebreakers for the first phase prioritize percentage of technical performance (points earned divided by maximum possible), followed by number of victories, goal difference average, goals scored average, disciplinary record (fewer red and yellow cards), and a lottery draw if necessary.[16] In knockout ties, the aggregate score across both legs decides the winner; if tied, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout without extra time or application of the away goals rule.[16] There is no third-place match. The competition runs from September 17 to December 14, 2025, aligning with the second semester of the football calendar in Rio Grande do Sul.[17] This structure reflects adjustments to a smaller field of teams compared to prior editions, which historically featured larger single-elimination brackets starting from a round of 22.[16]Qualification and rewards
The Copa FGF is open to top-performing teams from the first, second, and third divisions of the Campeonato Gaúcho, as well as select amateur clubs, with approximately 22 slots typically allocated based on state league rankings and performance criteria established in the annual edital issued by the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF).[18] Qualification spots are allocated automatically to the top eight teams from the second division (Série A2), supplemented by wildcards for additional qualified clubs and internal selections for academy or reserve teams from Série A clubs, such as those affiliated with Sport Club Internacional.[19] The winner of the tournament earns qualification to the following year's Copa do Brasil, the Recopa Gaúcha, where they face the champion of the Campeonato Gaúcho, and a spot in the Brasileirão Série D for the subsequent season, subject to CBF approval.[16][19][5]Participating teams
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Copa FGF are defined annually by the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF) through specific ed itais and regulamentos, ensuring clubs meet administrative and financial standards to participate. Clubs must be fully licensed with both the FGF and the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) for the current year, have no pending debts to the FGF or the Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva do Rio Grande do Sul (TJD/RS), and register at least 11 eligible athletes by the specified deadline.[16][18] These requirements enforce financial stability and compliance with licensing protocols, preventing participation by clubs in administrative irregularity. Participation slots are allocated based on division levels within the Campeonato Gaúcho, with a focus on teams from the second and third divisions, as top-division clubs are typically occupied with national competitions like the Série A, Série B, or Copa do Brasil. In editions where first-division teams are eligible (those not advancing to national cups), up to 8 slots may be reserved for them, alongside 10 from the second division and 4 from the third, totaling 22 teams in fuller formats; however, actual numbers fluctuate based on registrations and calendar constraints, often resulting in 8-13 participants in recent years.[18][20] The selection process uses a ranking system derived from prior Campeonato Gaúcho performances, prioritizing lower-ranked or access-division clubs to promote competitive balance.[21] Special inclusions allow reserve or academy squads from prominent clubs such as Grêmio and Internacional to enter as distinct entities, providing match experience for under-23 or sub-20 players without conflicting with their first teams' national schedules.[22] Amateur clubs qualify via regional preliminaries organized by the FGF, subject to limits like a maximum of 10 non-professional athletes under 21 per match to maintain semi-professional standards.[16] Historically, pre-2010 editions emphasized broader access for second- and third-division teams to bridge gaps to the top flight, with larger fields like 28 participants in 2004. Post-2020, amid calendar adjustments and CBF mandates, the format has shifted toward fewer teams and indirect youth pathways via reserve inclusions, enhancing development opportunities while aligning with national priorities.[18][23]Notable clubs and participation trends
The Copa FGF has featured prominent participation from the reserve or under-23 teams of major Rio Grande do Sul clubs, such as Sport Club Internacional and Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, which have competed frequently since 2005, including in the 2024 edition where both advanced to later stages.[24] Mid-tier clubs like Esporte Clube São Luiz have provided consistent second-division representation, appearing in multiple editions and securing two titles in 2022 and 2023.[25] São José has emerged as a standout for longevity, with the club competing in numerous editions since the competition's founding and winning two times, including the 2024 title that earned a spot in the 2025 Copa do Brasil.[26] The tournament has also highlighted underdog successes, such as Esporte Clube Lajeadense's 2011 victory, achieved as a representative from the state's lower divisions. Participation trends reflect an evolution in inclusivity for lower-tier teams, enabling broader involvement beyond elite affiliates. Approximately 70% of slots have typically gone to non-Série A affiliated clubs, fostering competition among regional sides, while Porto Alegre-area teams have dominated with about 60% of overall participation across editions. The number of entrants has fluctuated, from 22 teams in 2011 to 18 in 2021 and nine in 2025, adapting to state football structures.[27] In the 2025 edition, top seeds include EC Pelotas, Brasil de Pelotas, Esportivo, and SC Gaúcho, joining Internacional, Juventude, Aimoré, São José, and São Gabriel in a single-group format leading to knockout stages.[28]Results
List of finals
The Copa FGF finals have been contested in a two-legged format since the competition's inception in 2004, with the winner determined by aggregate score or penalties if tied. No edition was held in 2016 due to scheduling conflicts. The 2025 edition, named Copa FGF Professor Ruy Carlos Ostermann, is ongoing as of November 2025, with the semifinal matchups determined: Aimoré vs. Pelotas and Brasil de Pelotas vs. Gaúcho, and first-leg matches scheduled later in the month.[4][29][5][30] Notable upsets include Lajeadense reaching the 2011 final as a lower-division side against established Juventude, though they fell short. In 2024, São José overcame a first-leg deficit to win on penalties against Ypiranga.[4][5]| Year | Sponsor/Name | Champion | Runner-up | Aggregate Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Copa Colombo/LG | Esportivo | Gaúcho | Not available |
| 2005 | - | Novo Hamburgo | Ulbra | Not available |
| 2006 | - | Grêmio | Ulbra | Not available |
| 2007 | - | Caxias | Brasil de Pelotas | Not available |
| 2008 | - | Pelotas | Cerâmica | Not available |
| 2009 | - | Internacional B | Ypiranga | Not available |
| 2010 | - | Internacional B | Cerâmica | 5–1 |
| 2011 | Copa Dra. Laci Ughini | Juventude | Lajeadense | 4–3 |
| 2012 | - | Juventude | Brasil de Pelotas | Not available |
| 2013 | - | Novo Hamburgo | São José | Not available |
| 2014 | - | Lajeadense | Guarani de Venâncio Aires | Not available |
| 2015 | - | Lajeadense | Pelotas | Not available |
| 2017 | - | São José | Aimoré | Not available |
| 2018 | - | Avenida | Gaúcho | Not available |
| 2019 | - | Pelotas | São José | Not available |
| 2020 | - | Santa Cruz | São José | Not available |
| 2021 | - | Glória | Novo Hamburgo | Not available |
| 2022 | Troféu Traciso Flecha Negra | São Luiz | Passo Fundo | 5–2 |
| 2023 | Troféu Rei Pelé | São Luiz | São José | 3–2 |
| 2024 | Troféu Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo | São José | Ypiranga | 2–2 (4–2 pen.) |
Title holders by edition
The Copa FGF has crowned champions annually since its inception in 2004, except for 2016 when no edition was held due to scheduling conflicts within the Rio Grande do Sul football calendar.[4] Each winner qualifies for the subsequent season's Copa do Brasil, providing significant incentive for participating clubs.[4] The competition has showcased a range of teams from various divisions, highlighting its role in promoting regional talent. Below is the chronological list of title holders, including runners-up where applicable:| Edition | Year | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1ª | 2004 | Esportivo | Gaúcho |
| 2ª | 2005 | Novo Hamburgo | Ulbra |
| 3ª | 2006 | Grêmio | Ulbra |
| 4ª | 2007 | Caxias | Brasil de Pelotas |
| 5ª | 2008 | Pelotas | Cerâmica |
| 6ª | 2009 | Internacional B | Ypiranga |
| 7ª | 2010 | Internacional B | Cerâmica |
| 8ª | 2011 | Juventude | Lajeadense |
| 9ª | 2012 | Juventude | Brasil de Pelotas |
| 10ª | 2013 | Novo Hamburgo | São José |
| 11ª | 2014 | Lajeadense | Guarani de Venâncio Aires |
| 12ª | 2015 | Lajeadense | Pelotas |
| - | 2016 | No edition held | - |
| 13ª | 2017 | São José | Aimoré |
| 14ª | 2018 | Avenida | Gaúcho |
| 15ª | 2019 | Pelotas | São José |
| 16ª | 2020 | Santa Cruz | São José |
| 17ª | 2021 | Glória | Novo Hamburgo |
| 18ª | 2022 | São Luiz | Passo Fundo |
| 19ª | 2023 | São Luiz | São José |
| 20ª | 2024 | São José | Ypiranga |
Records and statistics
Most successful clubs
The Copa FGF has been characterized by a balanced distribution of success since its launch in 2004, with no single club dominating the competition and the maximum number of titles held by any team being two across 20 editions. This parity underscores the tournament's role in elevating smaller and reserve squads from Rio Grande do Sul, fostering regional competitiveness without long-term monopolies by elite sides.[35] Among the most accomplished participants, São José emerges as the standout with two titles—in 2017 and 2024—alongside a record four runner-up finishes in 2013, 2019, 2020, and 2023, highlighting their consistent contention for honors.[35] São Luiz secured back-to-back triumphs in 2022 and 2023, marking a rare streak of consecutive dominance in recent years.[35] Juventude also secured two titles in 2011 and 2012. The Internacional academy team, focusing on youth development, claimed two titles through reserve squads, winning in 2009 and 2010 to provide emerging players with high-level experience.[36][4] These victories carry substantial historical impact for the clubs involved, primarily through qualification for the national Copa do Brasil, which offers broader visibility and potential revenue streams. For example, Novo Hamburgo's 2005 title propelled them into the 2006 Copa do Brasil, where they faced Criciúma in the first round, drawing 2–2 away before losing 1–2 at home (aggregate 3–4), providing valuable national exposure.[37][38] Similarly, the 2009 and 2010 successes of Internacional's academy not only boosted youth pathways but also contributed to the reserve team's overall development within a top-tier organization.[36] Patterns in the winners reveal a notable involvement from academy sides, which have captured about 15% of editions, including Grêmio B's 2006 victory alongside Internacional's pair, emphasizing the tournament's value for talent incubation.[39] Regionally, titles show spread across the state, with Pelotas-based clubs achieving four collective final appearances, led by EC Pelotas' two wins in 2008 and 2019.[35] The table below provides a snapshot of performance metrics for all clubs with multiple titles:| Club | Titles (Years) | Finals Appearances | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| São José | 2 (2017, 2024) | 6 | 33% |
| Internacional | 2 (2009, 2010) | 2 | 100% |
| Juventude | 2 (2011, 2012) | 2 | 100% |
| Lajeadense | 2 (2014, 2015) | 3 | 67% |
| Novo Hamburgo | 2 (2005, 2013) | 3 | 67% |
| Pelotas | 2 (2008, 2019) | 3 | 67% |
| São Luiz | 2 (2022, 2023) | 2 | 100% |