Flamengo released a note claiming that Palmeiras has been repeatedly favoured by VAR decisions, citing statistics that show the club leading in altered calls (65) and having a positive VAR balance (+18) since 2020. Palmeiras president Leila Pereira called the claim “absurd” and defended the club’s respect for arbitration.
In the same week, the Superior Tribunal of Justice of Sports (STJD) denounced Palmeiras midfielder Maurício for an elbow on Vitória defender Cacá during a 4‑0 victory, charging him under article 254 for a violent play that could bring a suspension of one to six matches. The denunciation also includes Vitória players Cacá and Luan Cândido and club president Fábio Mota. Palmeiras issued an official statement contesting the STJD action, arguing that the on‑field referee and VAR correctly applied only a yellow card and that the prosecutor’s intervention undermines arbitration authority. Vitória echoed the STJD’s view, saying the referee’s decision was a grave error.
Both clubs exchanged further notes, with Flamengo reiterating its data‑driven claim of bias and Palmeiras demanding equal treatment for similar incidents involving other teams. The dispute centers on the interpretation of the Vitória‑Palmeiras match and broader concerns about consistency in Brazilian football officiating.
Entities: Cacá · Cacá (Vitória defender) · Clube de Regatas Flamengo · Clube de Regatas do Flamengo · Esporte Clube Vitória · Flamengo Football Club · Fábio Mota · Fábio Mota (President of Vitória) · Luan Cândido · Luan Cândido (Vitória defender) · Maurício · Maurício (Palmeiras midfielder)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Palmeiras president Leila Pereira called Flamengo’s claim that Palmeiras is favored by VAR “absurd”. (Leila Pereira interview)
- [● 3 SOURCES] STJD denounced Palmeiras midfielder Maurício for an elbow on Vitória defender Cacá, charging him under article 254 for a violent play. (STJD indictment)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Vitória praised the STJD’s action, saying the referee’s decision not to expel Maurício and the VAR’s lack of review were grave errors. (Vitória official statement)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Palmeiras issued an official statement contesting the STJD denunciation of Maurício, arguing the referee and VAR correctly applied only a yellow card. (Palmeiras official statement)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Flamengo claims Palmeiras has the highest number of VAR decisions altered in its favor (65) since 2020. (Flamengo note)