São Paulo authorities see long road to ending home-fans-only policy | OneFootball

Talks led by Renan Bohus and Anatorg have reopened dialogue with São Paulo authorities on easing the 10-year home-fans-only rule at derbies. According to Globo.com, supporters are optimistic, but officials see a long road.

The last classic with rival fans was 3 April 2016, Palmeiras v Corinthians at Pacaembu. Violence before and after left one dead, and police made 60 arrests. The next day Alexandre de Moraes imposed restrictions intended to last until year end, later extended to include Guarani and Ponte Preta.

Since then prosecutors have annually urged the Paulista FA to limit classics to home fans, which the federation accepts. Roberto Bacal, who has signed the guidance since 2019, says the policy saves lives and calms metro and train travel, noting no new 2026 cases by late February.

He accepts technology helps, but argues busy routes to and from games remain a risk. Military Police oppose change, citing smaller deployments, with 2018 data showing a shift from one officer per 75 fans to one per 142 across 44 games. The public security department gave no update.

Bohus proposes a phased return using biometrics, cameras and planning, saying society and behaviour have changed since 2016. He criticises reliance on old numbers and wants the Public Defender involved to represent fans.

He has met Civil Police, prosecutors and the OAB, winning a pledge for public hearings. Prosecutors plan a working group, while clubs back ending the rule and the Paulista FA says it follows the recommendation.

Source: Globo.com