Flamengo-run Maracanã denies Vasco for Vitória tie, club considering legal action | OneFootball

The Maracanã consortium, run by Flamengo's board, has rejected Vasco's request to stage the Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg against Vitória on Wednesday 26, citing the pitch condition and the risk of further deterioration from another consecutive game.

According to PaponaColina, the refusal has prompted Vasco's legal department to assess measures to secure the match at Maracanã. The board plans to take the issue to the Rio de Janeiro state government to enforce last year's agreement guaranteeing hosting rights.

Vasco had earmarked the venue to meet heavy ticket demand, targeting a sizeable crowd and higher gate revenue. The club does not want to move the tie back to São Januário and is standing firm on the date.

The hierarchy argues the veto breaches the public-use concession and is preparing formal representations against what it sees as a unilateral decision by the consortium. An urgent court action is being weighed if talks with state authorities fail to free up the ground in time.

The off-field dispute rekindles recent friction between the clubs over access to the city's most emblematic stadium, and Vasco contends that pitch preservation cannot be used selectively to block its fixtures.

The uncertainty is affecting logistics for Pedro Emanuel and his staff, who must plan physical preparation. Club officials want a favourable response before the weekend, with the last resort to host the opening leg at São Januário if the veto stands across all legal levels.

Source: PaponaColina

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”