Fla-Flu use Palmeiras match to oust Vasco from Maracanã for Boca clash | OneFootball

Vasco's battle to face Boca Juniors at the Maracanã has taken another turn, with an argument that angered Vasco fans. In a new court filing submitted on Sunday (4), Fla-Flu Serviços S.A., the concessionaire that manages the stadium, once again argued that the Copa Sudamericana semifinal should be moved to Nilton Santos.

The match is scheduled for October 20, and Vasco still does not know where it will host the game.

The consortium's arguments

Fla-Flu maintained that Nilton Santos, managed by Botafogo, has already hosted major Conmebol competition matches and has the facilities needed for the international clash.

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The concessionaire once again cited the Maracanã pitch. According to the company, the run of recent events, including the NFL game in Rio, increased wear on the pitch and required maintenance work. In an earlier filing, the consortium even stated that, according to a technical assessment, the Maracanã would be unable to host any further sporting events in 2026.

The “practice” for facing Palmeiras

The most controversial passage concerns the artificial turf. Vasco argues that playing at Nilton Santos would pose a sporting risk, since the team is used to natural grass. Fla-Flu disputed this.

The consortium pointed out that Vasco has already played at Palmeiras' stadium, which also has artificial turf, and will play there again. In the concessionaire's view, playing Boca at Nilton Santos could even serve as preparation for the next match against Palmeiras.

Vasco's counterarguments

Vasco's sporting argument has long been part of the proceedings. In the lawsuit, the club maintains that playing at Nilton Santos would put it at a clear disadvantage, since its home ground, São Januário, has natural grass, as does the Maracanã.

The club also points to inconsistencies in the consortium's stance. In Vasco's view, the technical criteria used to deny access to the stadium are inconsistent and violate the principle of good faith, since the Maracanã itself continues to host Flamengo and Fluminense matches.

The Vasco fan who filed the public-interest lawsuit reinforced this point: according to a survey by ge cited in the proceedings, in 2026 the stadium hosted nine matches with gaps of no more than 48 hours between them.

Fla-Flu denies any discrimination and notes that Vasco has used the Maracanã six times since April 2025.

The court battle

Vasco continues trying to turn things around in court. On Friday, the club filed an interlocutory appeal against the suspension of the proceedings and asked appellate judge Rose Marie Pimentel Martins to immediately authorize use of the Maracanã, with a daily fine of R$1 million for noncompliance.

After a setback at the Rio de Janeiro State Court of Justice, Vasco also asked the 2nd Civil Court to reconsider the suspension and review the case urgently.

Conmebol deadlines put pressure on Vasco

Time is the biggest problem. Under Conmebol rules, Vasco must announce this Monday (5) whether it will host the match outside the municipality of Rio. If it chooses a stadium within the city, the deadline is Saturday (10).

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Why São Januário is not an option

The simplest solution would be to play at home, but that is not possible. From the semifinals onward, Copa Sudamericana rules require a minimum capacity of 30,000 fans, and São Januário does not meet that requirement.

That leaves two realistic options in Rio: the Maracanã, which Vasco wants, and Nilton Santos, which the consortium is pushing for. For a venue outside the city, the club would have to decide today.

Third rejection of the year

This is not the first time Vasco has run into resistance from the consortium in 2026. Before Boca, Fla-Flu had already rejected requests for the Copa do Brasil matches against Vitória and Palmeiras.

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