Vasco and Boca Juniors will play the semifinal at the Maracanã following a court ruling that prioritized safety over pitch preservation.
The legal dispute over the venue for the decisive clash between Vasco da Gama and Boca Juniors has come to an end.
The Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice ruled that Fla-Flu Serviços S.A. must open the Maracanã to host the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, scheduled for the 20th.
The ruling was issued by Judge Marco Antônio Ibrahim of the 23rd Private Law Chamber.
The decision overturned the arguments of the stadium’s management company, which attempted to block the event claiming the need to preserve the pitch at the Rio stadium.
Safety and Logistics First
To support the injunction, the judge fully accepted the recommendations of Gaedest (Specialized Action Group for Sports and Fan Protection).
An official letter sent by Prosecutor General Antonio José Campos Moreira to the state government also carried significant weight in the decision.
Another decisive factor was the technical report issued by Bepe (Specialized Stadium Policing Battalion).
The police unit designated the Maracanã as the only viable alternative to ensure crowd control, urban mobility, and fan safety.
The judge stated:
The safety of fans and residents surrounding the stadium must prevail over arguments regarding pitch preservation.
Next Steps in the Competition
The urgency of the judicial measure was tied to strict deadlines set by CONMEBOL.
The Cruz-Maltino club had until October 10 to confirm the venue for the international fixture.
With logistics resolved, Vasco now focuses on training for the historic clash against Boca Juniors.
A full house is expected at the Maracanã, with a sold-out crowd and a heavy security operation to host one of South American football’s greatest rivalries.
