Palmeiras president slams Flamengo chief for misogynistic remarks | OneFootball

The president of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira, spoke out this Wednesday in support of journalist Renata Mendonça, from TV Globo, after the professional was targeted by an attack from Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap. In a post on social media, the executive described the statement made by the Flamengo president as sexist.

“My solidarity to the competent journalist Renata Mendonça, victim of a sexist attack by the president of Flamengo. From the leader of a major club, exemplary conduct is expected, never misogyny,” wrote Leila.

The Palmeiras president, who has a degree in journalism, also highlighted the struggle of women for space in football: “Unfortunately, there are still men who disregard the work of women in football. But we will not let our guard down! We will keep fighting to show that a woman's place is wherever we want it to be!” she concluded.

Leila's statement comes amid a recent history of conflicts between her and Bap. Throughout 2025, Palmeiras and Flamengo have engaged in institutional disputes involving Libra (Liga do Futebol Brasileiro), a group that brings clubs together for the joint negotiation of commercial rights.

  See this photo on Instagram   A post shared by Leila Pereira (@leilapereira)

The tension began in March, when the clubs in Libra sent a manifesto to Conmebol against cases of racism in South American competitions. The document, led by Palmeiras, was not signed by Flamengo, who argued that the issue should be addressed institutionally by the CBF, although it reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racism.

Another chapter took place in October, when Flamengo obtained an injunction from the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice that blocked the transfer of R$77 million related to broadcasting rights for the Brazilian Championship. The amount was to be distributed among the other Libra clubs, including Palmeiras. Palmeiras responded with a harsh statement, describing the stance of Flamengo's management as “arrogant and willful.”

Days later, Leila Pereira again publicly criticized Flamengo's management and even suggested creating a league without the Rio club. Bap responded with provocations, at one point questioning the Crefisa loan to Vasco. Leila replied and denied any financial interference in the Vasco club, and also recalled previous statements by the Flamengo executive.

The statement by Bap that prompted Leila's support for journalist Renata Mendonça was made during a meeting broadcast by Flamengo TV, while commenting on the club’s women’s football team. Globo described the attack as misogynistic and condemned the statement, which also prompted messages of solidarity from other sports journalists.

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