Iris Sesso laments lack of neutral venue for Supercopa do Brasil Feminina derby | OneFootball

Iris Sesso has lamented the absence of a neutral venue for the Supercopa do Brasil Feminina derby, after a CBF draw made Corinthians the away side against Palmeiras at Arena Barueri. With Palmeiras hosting, only home supporters will be admitted under São Paulo’s single-fan policy.

According to Meu Timao, the draw took place at CBF headquarters without broadcast to keep the match in São Paulo, after an option to stage it in Manaus, which could have accommodated both sets of fans, was vetoed by Palmeiras president Leila Pereira.

Sesso said discussions began in December to play at a neutral ground or with Corinthians as hosts. Palmeiras, however, pressed from the outset for the decision to be settled by drawing lots, which ultimately prevailed amid calendar and stadium availability problems.

She said a neutral venue remained the fairest solution in the club’s view, but practical obstacles left little room to contest the process and the club accepted the draw. Although unhappy with the method, she indicated she understood why it was chosen.

The competition will change format from 2026, becoming a single match between the Brasileiro Feminino champions, currently Corinthians, and the Copa do Brasil Feminina holders, Palmeiras. Corinthians won the first three editions in 2022, 2023 and 2024, then finished runners-up in 2025 to São Paulo.

Before the first derby of the year, Lucas Piccinato’s side travel to England for the Copa das Campeãs da Fifa. They face Gotham FC in a single semi-final on 28 January, with the final and third-place match on one February.

Source: Meu Timao