CBF chief hails Corinthians fans in Brasília, talks Supercopa policy

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Central do Timão

·8 February 2026

CBF chief hails Corinthians fans in Brasília, talks Supercopa policy

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the afternoon of this Saturday (7th), Corinthians faced Palmeiras at Arena Barueri, in a match valid for the final of the Supercopa do Brasil, and drew 1-1. The Brabas’ goal was scored by forward Jaqueline. In the penalty shootout, the archrival emerged victorious with a score of 5-4. In an interview with journalists in the mixed zone after the match, CBF president Samir Xaud commented on the decision for the tournament to have only the home team's fans present.

Supercopa do Brasil finals are usually held at a neutral venue with both sets of fans. However, since 2016, the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office has mandated that derbies take place only with the home team's supporters. The home field was decided by a CBF draw: “I think it was a draw, so if it had been the other way around, it would still have been single-fan attendance. We have to respect the rules of the State. But this was discussed behind the scenes. I believe both teams, regardless of the fans, put on a great show. Corinthians lost on penalties, but I am very proud of the football the Corinthians team has been representing,” he began.

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The official also highlighted the Brabas’ campaign in the FIFA Women's Club Championship. The Brabas beat Gotham FC, from the United States, 1-0 in the semifinal. In the grand final, the Alvinegro ended up being defeated by Arsenal, 3-2, in extra time at Emirates Stadium.

“They represented us now with an excellent match against Arsenal. And showed the whole world the value and weight of Brazilian and women’s football. But regardless, I think it was a great final. I think both teams gave their all and showed the football they have,” he continued.

He later praised the Corinthians fans’ celebration at Mané Garrincha Stadium, in Brasília, during the club’s second consecutive Supercopa do Brasil title, in the 2-0 win over Flamengo. Samir Xaud also mentioned the importance of dialogue so that, perhaps, stadiums in São Paulo could once again host both sets of fans in derbies: “The Corinthians fans were present, put on a great show there at Mané Garrincha, and what we really want is to promote football, to have the fans, for both sets of fans to attend. I think this is something to discuss with the state governments, governments that have this single-fan law.”

“Even more so now, with a Women’s World Cup coming up here in Brazil, so we need to have the stadium full, we need to show women’s football to the world, which is what we want to do, and I believe this sensitivity needs to be even greater on the eve of a World Cup, so I believe the CBF will work on this as well,” he continued.

Finally, he was asked about how the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) can maintain a dialogue with São Paulo authorities so that derbies can once again have both sets of fans, as well as the resumption of alcohol sales. The official also responded about the possibility of Brazil hosting the next edition of the Women's Club World Cup – Copa das Campeãs – as a test event for the Women's World Cup in 2027.

“It’s a matter of public safety, we respect the decisions that have been made, but I believe there is always a chance and time to change, to review decisions, to have greater security in stadiums with both sets of fans. I believe this is a public safety issue, I believe the CBF can start this dialogue with the São Paulo government.”

“There is, there is always the possibility (of hosting the Women’s Club World Cup), we have to see what FIFA has in mind, what Conmebol has in mind, but there are always pre-World Cup events in the host countries, so there is also this possibility,” he concluded.

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