Leila Pereira to leave Palmeiras in 2027 amid conflict of interest disputes

Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras, has announced her intention to leave football following the end of her current mandate in December 2027. She stated her plan is to return to her private business activities.

During a recent meeting with club counselors, Pereira addressed growing political tension and allegations of conflict of interest. These concerns stem from the acquisition of Vasco da Gama’s SAF by Almirante Participações, a company owned by her stepson, Marcos Lamacchia. Pereira defended her family’s integrity, noting that she and her husband, José Roberto Lamacchia, have invested over R$ 1 billion into Palmeiras.

Opposition groups within the club, including Ocupa Palestra and Arquibancada, have criticized her response to these allegations. They characterized her dismissal of their concerns as verbal aggression, specifically after she referred to certain opponents as “a handful of imbeciles.” The opposition has called for formal safeguards to prevent the leakage of institutional data and has requested the removal of José Roberto Lamacchia from the club's council.

In separate club news, Palmeiras recently inaugurated modernized press facilities at Nubank Parque, honoring legendary sports journalists with named broadcast booths.