Vasco prefers São Januário for Copa do Brasil semifinal

Vasco da Gama has expressed a preference to host its Copa do Brasil semifinal matches at São Januário rather than the Maracanã stadium. Despite the potential for higher revenue at the Maracanã, the club's football director, Admar Lopes, stated that playing at their home stadium is a strategic sporting advantage to support the team with their own fans.

Previous attempts to use the Maracanã were denied due to technical concerns regarding the pitch conditions. Fred Nantes, CEO of the Maracanã, noted that the poor state of the grass remains an issue that could lead to further denials if a formal request is submitted. The semifinal matchup against Palmeiras is expected to take place in approximately two months.