Flamengo President Luiz Eduardo Baptista Criticizes Palmeiras Leader Leila Pereira Amid Club Tensions

Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, acknowledged his part in the recent escalation of tensions with Palmeiras president Leila Pereira, saying both sides contributed to the public clashes. He stressed that the two clubs do not need to be friends but must keep a dialogue when institutional interests clash.

During a Sports Market Makers podcast, Baptista warned Leila Pereira, "If you throw a stone at me, I will throw a stone back," and added that he would treat her the same regardless of gender. The dispute stems from disagreements over the Libra project and the distribution of television‑revenue rights, which led Flamengo to challenge contract terms in court before reaching a new agreement. Both executives said personal differences should not block future negotiations between the two historically dominant Brazilian clubs.