The Campeonato Brasileiro Série C is the third tier of the Brazilian football league system.
Unlike the first and second 💳 divisions, the Série C is not played in a double round robin system, arguably because many participating teams lack the 💳 financial conditions to travel long distances. Thus, the tournament is organized in regional groups and the table prevents teams from 💳 distant states from playing each other in the initial rounds.
Beginning in 2009, the Série C was reduced from 64 teams 💳 to 20 and the new Campeonato Brasileiro Série D is the qualifier for Brazilian league football. In its current format 💳 the first phase was then played in a single round, with 19 matches. The top eight teams qualify for a 💳 knock out stage and the four semi-finalists are promoted to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. The four lowest-placed teams are 💳 relegated to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D.