Vasco chooses São Januário over Maracanã for Copa do Brasil semifinal

Vasco da Gama has decided to host the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal against Palmeiras at São Januário on November 8, rejecting an offer from the Fla-Flu Consortium to use the Maracanã stadium.

The Maracanã administration, managed by a consortium of Flamengo and Fluminense, stated that the venue was available due to a lack of scheduling conflicts and adequate pitch conditions. However, Vasco officials reportedly viewed the offer with suspicion, interpreting it as a strategic move related to ongoing institutional and legal discussions regarding stadium usage.

To accommodate the high demand for the decisive match, Vasco secured exceptional authorization from the Rio de Janeiro state government, the Fire Department, and the Military Police to increase the capacity of São Januário to 24,155 spectators. This temporary expansion includes an allocation of 2,000 tickets for Palmeiras supporters. The decision to remain at their home stadium is supported by the club's coaching staff and players.