Abel Ferreira suspended for three matches by STJD

The Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) has increased the suspension of Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira from two to three matches in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The decision, which is final and cannot be appealed, follows an incident during a match against Mirassol where Ferreira was filmed kicking an audio capture device used for the broadcast.

Ferreira's conduct was classified as unsportsmanlike behavior under article 258 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice. As a result of the ruling, the Portuguese coach will be unable to lead the team from the sidelines during upcoming matches against São Paulo, Grêmio, and Bahia. Assistant coach João Martins is expected to manage the team during this period.

Palmeiras has expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, labeling the increased penalty disproportionate and citing a lack of consistency in how the tribunal applies punishments to different coaches. While the suspension applies strictly to the Brazilian league, Ferreira remains available for other competitions, including the Copa Libertadores.