Santo André eliminated from Copa Paulista after 10-point penalty

Santo André has been eliminated from the Copa Paulista following a decision by the São Paulo Sports Justice Court (TJD-SP). The club was penalized with a 10-point deduction for fielding striker Alexiel Gonçalves dos Santos in two matches while his registration was not yet official.

According to the ruling, Alexiel participated in a 0-0 draw against São Caetano on July 26 and a 1-0 victory over São José on August 2. Although the player was under contract, his registration was only formalized in the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) Daily Information Bulletin (BID) on August 10. The penalty was applied under Article 214 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD), which addresses the irregular inclusion of players.

Before the penalty, Santo André held seven points and occupied third place in Group 4, securing a spot in the play-in stage. The deduction leaves the team with -3 points, mathematically eliminating them from further competition. The decision benefits São Caetano, which moves up to third place in the group standings. While the club expressed regret over the decision, they have not yet confirmed if they will file an appeal.