In 2009, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C, the third level of the Brazilian League, was contested by 20 clubs from May 24 to September 19, 2009. In an attempt to increase profits and interest on the competition, CBF decided to reduce the number of participating teams from 64 to 20 this season and establish regular membership, akin to Série A and Série B. In the finals, América Mineiro, a traditional club from the city of Belo Horizonte, defeated ASA after winning away and at home. Top four clubes, the ones which qualified to the quarterfinals, ascended to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B to be contested in 2010: América Mineiro, ASA, Icasa and Guaratinguetá. Meanwhile, the bottom four clubs, the ones that finished in last place of each group, were relegated to Série D next season: Sampaio Corrêa, Confiança, Mixto and Marcílio Dias.

Team information

Format

Results

First stage

Group A (AC-MA-MT-PA)

Group B (AL-CE-PE-SE)

Group C (DF-MT-MG-SP)

Group D (RS-SC-SP)

Knockout stages

• plays second leg at home. (p) won on penalty shootout. (a) won by away goals rule.

Quarterfinals

First leg played on August 9; Second leg played on August 16. Team #1 played second match at home.

Semifinals

First leg played on August 23; Second leg played on August 30. Team #1 played second match at home.

Finals

First leg played on September 13; Second leg played on September 19. Team #1 played second match at home.