And now, Pedrinho? Fla-Flu block Maracanã, Conmebol rush Vasco | OneFootball

​Vasco has entered a race against time behind the scenes after being cornered by two different sources of pressure. While Conmebol has set strict deadlines for defining the venue for the Copa Sudamericana semifinal against Boca Juniors, the club’s board already knows that the Fla-Flu Consortium, managed by Flamengo and Fluminense, plans to deny the use of the Maracanã. As the continental body bans stadiums with fewer than 30,000 seats at this stage, the cauldron of São Januário cannot host the decisive second leg on October 20.

​The timetable imposed by the South American officials states that the match venue must be made official by October 10 if the clash remains in Rio de Janeiro. However, if the football department decides to move the home match outside the state because of the rivals’ blockade, the required notification will have to be made fifteen days in advance, leaving the Rio club with only a few days of room to maneuver.

+ Bombshell behind the scenes: Prosecutor reports Fla-Flu’s management of the Maracanã to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and defends Vasco

?Fla-Flu duo’s veto and Conmebol deadlines

​The intention to block Vasco comes even after the club showed a peaceful spirit and gave up asking to use the state’s biggest stage for the Copa do Brasil semifinal, choosing instead to face Palmeiras at São Januário. Vasco’s board expected the gesture to open the door to a friendly agreement for the continental clash, but the rival duo remains determined to shut the gates on the Giant of the Hill.

​The first leg against the Buenos Aires opponent is scheduled for October 13 at La Bombonera, which demands immediate focus from the coaching staff and players on Argentine soil. The delay in settling the venue for the return leg threatens to stall the ticket sales schedule and hurt the strong turnout of fans, creating a mood of outrage among supporters in Rio de Janeiro.

?Search for alternatives and the team’s stance

​Faced with the likelihood of a formal veto in the coming days, Vasco’s board is considering urgent legal measures to guarantee the use of the public venue or the quick selection of a large stadium outside the state. Under the command of Pedro Emanuel, preparations continue intensely on the pitch at São Januário, keeping the players shielded from the political turmoil.

​The outcome of this tug-of-war in the offices promises to heat up Rio football until the turn of next week.

Vasco is on a roll and will go in search of the South American title – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

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