2009 Campeonato Brasileiro Série D
In 2009, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D, the fourth division of the Brazilian Football, is currently being contested for first time in history. The competition has 40 clubs, four of which will eventually qualify to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C to be contested in 2010. Competition format. The 40 teams are divided in ten groups of 4, playing within them in a double round-robin format. The two best ranked in each group at the end of 6 rounds will qualify to the Second Stage, which will be played in home-and-away system. Winners  advance to Third Stage along with the three losers with best record in previous stages. The quarterfinal winners will be promoted to the Série C 2010. As there is no Série E, technically there will be no relegation. However, teams who were not promoted will have to re-qualify for Série D 2010 through their respective state leagues.