Campeonato Brasileiro Série D
The Campeonato Brasileiro Série D, commonly known as the Série D or the Brazilian Série D to distinguish it from the Italian Serie D, is the fourth division of the Brazilian football league system, and was announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation on 9 April 2008. The Campeonato Brasileiro Série D was formed from the split of the Série C, keeping its best 20 clubs and playing double round robin as does the top three divisions. The Série D keeps the same format of the older Série C, but with participation limited to 40 clubs recognized by the state federation. In 2016 the Série D was expanded to 68 clubs, but in 2022 it was reduced to 64 clubs.
The Série D format is a mixed system: the 64 clubs are divided in 8 groups organized regionally, playing in a round-robin format. The top teams qualify for playoffs and clubs that reach the semi-finals are promoted to Série C. Clubs qualify for the Série D by their performance at state championships — spots are given to the top clubs on those leagues that aren't at Série A, B or C — at state cups or relegation from Série C.
Ceará