Flamengo Secures Court Reversal on Taça das Bolinhas Trophy

The Federal Court in São Paulo revoked its earlier order that would have handed the Taça das Bolinhas trophy to São Paulo FC. After an appeal by Flamengo, the 12ª Vara Cível Federal recognized that jurisdiction over the trophy’s disposition belongs to the Rio de Janeiro court. Consequently, the trophy remains in the custody of Caixa Econômica Federal in São Paulo.

The dispute traces back to the 1987 Brazilian championship controversy. Both clubs claim the trophy, which is awarded to the first team to win three consecutive national titles or five titles in an alternating sequence. Flamengo argues its 1992 title, counting the 1987 Copa União, meets the criteria, while São Paulo points to its fifth title in 2007 and a three‑year streak ending in 2008. The legal battle continues.