Sports
Flamengo Loses 18-0 Court Ruling over Vasco Maracanã Match
Unanimous TJ-RJ ruling allows Vasco da Gama to host Boca Juniors at the Maracanã in Copa Sudamericana semifinals.
The Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice rejected Flamengo's appeal 18-0, upholding Vasco da Gama's right to host Boca Juniors at the Maracanã. The unanimous ruling confirms the Copa Sudamericana semifinal fixture at the stadium managed by the Fla-Flu consortium.
The Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice dealt Flamengo another legal defeat. By an 18-0 vote, the court's Special Body rejected an appeal filed by the club seeking to prevent Vasco da Gama from hosting Boca Juniors at the Maracanã in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. Following the ruling, the clash between the Rio club and the Argentine giants is confirmed to take place at the iconic venue.
In the video above, journalist Bernardo Ramos analyzes the legal showdown and criticizes the ruling opening the Maracanã to Flamengo's rival. In Bernardo's view, the decision unfairly penalizes the venue's managers, noting that any material damages resulting from the match fall squarely on the Fla-Flu Serviços S.A. consortium, which is owned 65% by Flamengo and 35% by Fluminense.
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Ticket Sales Pressure and Operational Costs
According to the journalist, Vasco forced the situation by selling tickets before securing a final court ruling, creating a fait accompli to pressure the judiciary under the guise of public safety. Previously, Superior Court of Justice Minister Luís Felipe Salomão had authorized the match, arguing that Flamengo operates as an economic exploiter rather than a full concessionaire. Bernardo disputes that reasoning, emphasizing that maintenance and concession fees cost the managing consortium over 3 million reais per month.
Concession History and Pitch Degradation
Bernardo recalled the stadium's concession history since Odebrecht abandoned management—a period when Flamengo even had to pay outstanding electricity bills, according to reporting by Mauro César—leading up to the current model of six-month contract renewals. Beyond financial costs, the commentator highlighted concerns regarding pitch wear and tear, citing a previous match between Vasco and Atlético Mineiro played at 11 a.m. in heavy rain that badly damaged the turf. Finally, Bernardo noted that Fla-Flu Serviços S.A. is not party to any agreement granting four matches to Vasco, led by president Pedrinho, calling the court intervention a sign of disrespect toward the Maracanã's operators.
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