Without backing, Caboclo may quit race, Marcelinho gains ground | OneFootball

The political turmoil at São Paulo has taken on new contours in recent days. Rogério Caboclo’s participation in an interview on the ‘Tricolaços’ channel triggered a chain reaction behind the scenes at Morumbi, accelerating the withdrawal of supporters from his pre-candidacy for the club presidency.

Hesitant and visibly struggling to answer more specific questions — in addition to giving explanations seen as weak regarding the harassment allegations from his time as CBF president —, Caboclo sowed distrust within his own base.

Although the project has not formally collapsed, today only the circle around Olten Ayres de Abreu Júnior, president of the Deliberative Council, still shows any conviction in the viability of his name.

Musical Chairs in the Opposition

The negative fallout is already causing defections and parallel maneuvering:

Allies pulling away: Miguel Augusto de Sousa, one of the coordinators of the opposition group Salve o Tricolor Paulista (SoTP), withdrew his support for Caboclo and tried to arrange the launch of Roberto Natel.

Refusal and loyalty: Natel declined the invitation and reaffirmed his support for Marcelinho Portugal Gouvêa, a stance that was praised internally by SoTP members.

Open dialogue: Marcelinho is still on the move and spoke directly with Caboclo in recent days to assess the direction of the race.

The Decisive Factor: Bylaw Reform

Despite the intense movement, concrete decisions have been put on hold. São Paulo’s political backstage is awaiting the Deliberative Council meeting for the discussion and vote on the proposed bylaw reform, focused on improving the club’s governance. The general expectation is that the electoral landscape will only become clearer after the outcome of that vote.

Backroom scenario: If Rogério Caboclo gives up his pre-candidacy, a unification movement is expected to take shape. In that case, Olten Ayres may shift his support to Marcelinho Portugal Gouvêa’s ticket, indicating a name from his group for the vice presidency — a position for which the name of council member Carlos Sadi has gained strength in the most recent talks.

The election for São Paulo’s presidency is scheduled for December, in a vote restricted to the club’s 260 council members (160 lifetime members and 100 elected).

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