Flamengo chief mocks Palmeiras, tells Leila Pereira: “Stop sulking” | OneFootball

Bap assured that Flamengo will not change its stance or give in to the political pressure from rivals behind the scenes at Libra

Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, mocked Palmeiras’ recent stance behind the scenes at Libra (Brazilian Football League). In an interview with journalist Rodrigo Capelo on the program ‘Sport Insider’, recorded at Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu, the executive downplayed the São Paulo rival’s departure from the club bloc and described the move as “just for show.”

When asked about the split and the green-and-white team’s dissatisfaction with the direction of the negotiations, Bap was blunt and spoke out about the political backstage of Brazilian football:

— The practical effect is none. These are decisions each club has to assess and make. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a league in Brazil; you’re never going to build a league without Flamengo or Palmeiras. There’s much more posturing than anything else. What happens on the field should stay on the field. I think that off the field, clubs should be friends. Now, if someone thinks they’re going to throw a tantrum, pout, complain, stomp their feet, and that for any reason I’m going to treat things differently, change what I think, or what I’m going to do because of that… good luck —, he said.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT LIBRA?

Bap’s strong statement exposes the definitive ‘rift’ between Flamengo and Palmeiras, clubs that have dominated titles on the continent in recent years. The crisis began when Libra members were discussing the value of broadcast rights shares with Rede Globo through 2029. The São Paulo club wanted to receive the same amount as Flamengo, while Mengão was pushing for a larger amount because it draws higher ratings.

In this scenario, Flamengo managed to convince most clubs to accept the proposal of a fixed R$ 150 million with the broadcaster. In response, the São Paulo board, led by Leila Pereira, which had initially signed the document in favor of the Most Beloved, backed away from the decision, grew angry over the terms, and chose to leave the bloc.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF THE LEAGUE LOOK LIKE?

Shortly after Flamengo and Grêmio issued a joint statement celebrating Libra’s financial agreement, Palmeiras responded publicly with attacks on both teams. Even so, the Rubro-Negro remains firm in its stance of valuing the brand, focusing on generating new revenue to maintain its technical dominance on the national stage.

Finally, the ‘soap opera’ is gaining new political chapters while the project of a unified National League remains stalled. According to Bap, Flamengo will not change its line of thinking because of external pressure.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.