Leila Pereira: Palmeiras’ poor run is our fault, not referees

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·26 November 2025

Leila Pereira: Palmeiras’ poor run is our fault, not referees

The president of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira, spoke during the CBF Academy Summit event this Wednesday (26th), stating that refereeing mistakes cannot be blamed for the negative streak that is likely to result in the loss of the Brazilian Championship title.

According to the president, the responsibility for the defeats and draws lies solely with the club and its own “incapacity.”

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– I don’t believe that we failed to win these last five matches because of refereeing. I cannot shift the responsibility that is ours. We didn’t win because of our own responsibility and incapacity. This is very clear to me, to the football director, and I think it’s also very clear to our coach,

Is Abel staying?

The president also said that even in the event of a defeat to Flamengo on Saturday, the extension of Abel Ferreira’s contract remains in the coach’s hands, as he has not yet signed the document.

The idea is for him to accept the two-year contract renewal. Leila Pereira has never hidden her desire to keep the Portuguese coach until the end of her term in 2027.

– Regardless of the result in the Libertadores, it is my wish for my coach and my football director to continue. Until December 2027, when my term ends.”

Leila admitted that Palmeiras is going through a turbulent phase. The team has not won in five matches and has practically said goodbye to the fight for the Brazilian Championship title.

– We are in a turbulent moment. I’m calm here, but I’m angry (laughs). In these moments, the president needs to be rational, keep a cool head, and believe in the project. Turbulence will not take our focus away from the final. We will arrive very strong – said Leila.