Campeonato Paulista A3

About Campeonato Paulista A3

History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The Campeonato Paulista Serie A3 is the third soccer category in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. The competition is organized by the Federacao Paulista de Futebol (FBF) in compliance with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) rules. The competition was held for the first time in 1919 as an amateur tournament. Eventually, the competition became a professional league in 1953.

The competition takes place during the first months of the year, starting in January and usually coming to an end in April. Sixteen teams are involved in a promotion-relegation system, where the two teams with the least successful record being relegated to the Campeonato Paulista Serie A4. On the other hand, the top eight teams in the league enter a playoff stage where the two finalists get promoted to the Second Division. All playoff series are played in a two-leg format where the better-ranked team hosts the second leg.

As time has passed, the Campeonato Paulista Serie A3 hosted some notable teams, including Sao Caetano, Ituano, Paulista, and many more.

There have also been many teams to win this title since its inception. Sertaozinho, Nacional, Rio Preto, and Capivariano have been some of the most successful.