STJ Clears Vasco to Play Boca Juniors at Maracanã

The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) rejected a request from the Flamengo and Fluminense Serviços SA consortium to block the match between Vasco da Gama and Boca Juniors at the Maracanã, scheduled for next Tuesday. The decision was issued by the court's president, Luís Felipe Salomão, who ruled in favor of Vasco, arguing that the Fla-Flu duo operates merely as economic exploiters of the stadium rather than holding full concessionaire prerogatives.

For Bernardo Ramos, the ruling disregards the contractual reality and the cost-sharing structure of the sports complex. Flamengo holds a 65% stake in the concession, while Fluminense covers the remaining 35%, bearing expenses that include R$ 1.7 million in concession fees and R$ 2 million in maintenance. In the video above, Bernardo details how president Bap's administration tripled match-day revenue in 2026 and recalls Mauro César's reporting that the synthetic roof will need replacement without any financial contribution from Vasco.

Political dispute and pitch degradation

Hosting the clash raises technical concerns regarding pitch maintenance, given the schedule of three matches in five days. The alleged agreement authorizing Vasco to host four matches at the venue lacks the concessionaire's signature. The issue has taken on political dimensions following statements to Rede Globo by Rio de Janeiro Governor-elect Douglas Ruas (PL), who advocated opening the venue to clubs like Botafogo, Americano, América, and Bangu, leaving the Supreme Federal Court (STF) as the consortium's only remaining legal avenue to reverse the measure.