Palmeiras opposition demands Lamacchia resignation after Vasco SAF sale

The opposition group ‘Ocupa Palestra’ within Palmeiras has called for the resignation of José Roberto Lamacchia from the club’s Deliberative Council following the acquisition of Vasco da Gama’s SAF (football corporation). The acquisition was secured by Almirante Participações, a company owned by Marcos Lamacchia, the son of José Roberto Lamacchia and stepson of Palmeiras president Leila Pereira.

The deal involves a R$ 500 million investment and the assumption of Vasco’s debts exceeding R$ 1 billion through judicial recovery. José Roberto Lamacchia, owner of Crefisa, is acting as a guarantor for the operation. While Leila Pereira is not a formal participant in the transaction, the opposition group argues that the private business interests of club leadership must remain separate from their administrative roles to protect Palmeiras’ institutional image and operational data.

Ocupa Palestra expressed concern that the companies associated with the current Palmeiras presidency should not finance or favor direct sporting rivals. They have urged both the Deliberative Council and the Orientation and Fiscalization Council to strengthen barriers to protect the club’s know-how and sensitive information.