Former Flamengo director criticizes Bap amid conflict with Vasco and defends Pedrinho
The rivalry between Flamengo and Vasco has reached a new chapter, this time with the intervention of a former director of the Rubro-Negro. Márcio Braga, who previously served as Flamengo president, criticized the stance taken by the current incumbent, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, in his clash with Vasco president Pedrinho. The statement comes amid a controversy involving the sale of Vasco’s SAF (Soccer Corporation) and mutual accusations between the two presidents.
Tensions between the clubs intensified after Flamengo raised concerns and allegations of illegality regarding Vasco‘s negotiations with the stepson of Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras. This move by Flamengo triggered a strong reaction from Pedrinho, who insulted Bap, eventually leading to legal action.
Criticism of Bap’s stance
In a WhatsApp group for members of Flamengo‘s Board of Directors, Márcio Braga dismissed the feud between the presidents as “stupid” and an attitude that “leads nowhere.” He recalled his time working with Eurico Miranda, the late former president of Vasco, highlighting the Vascaíno executive’s intelligence in defending his club’s interests.
Márcio Braga stated:
I wouldn’t be arguing with Pedrinho, who is trying to lift Vasco up. He is trying to get out of a highly complex situation, where Vasco became a SAF, and the SAF went broke. I think Flamengo should help Vasco get out of this situation. Why? Because Vasco is Flamengo’s best client. It’s the ‘Clássico dos Milhões’ (Match of the Millions), which fills the Maracanã, rain or shine.
The importance of the derby
Braga emphasized the importance of the derby between Flamengo and Vasco for Rio de Janeiro and national football, highlighting its ability to attract crowds and generate revenue. He suggested that, instead of conflict, there should be collaboration to strengthen the sport, noting the history of athletic rivalry alongside iconic classic matches.
He reflected on the past:
Vasco was the ‘Express of Victory.’ Flamengo went seven years without beating Vasco. That stuck in my throat. I became president of Flamengo, I didn’t fight with Vasco, and Vasco went seven years without beating Flamengo. I paid them back every single year. We were champions every year at their expense. Vasco got tired of finishing as runner-up to Flamengo.
The context of the feud
The root of the discord dates back to Flamengo‘s actions against the VascoSAF deal, with the Rubro-Negro club alleging conflicts of interest and illegalities. Pedrinho‘s response was aggressive, calling Bap a person of “bad character,” “arrogant,” “pretentious,” “haughty,” and “hypocritical,” which led the Flamengo president to file a lawsuit.
Despite Braga‘s statement, the M360 team, analyzing the landscape, notes that Pedrinho‘s initiative escalated the situation. The prevailing view is that the rivalry, in this case, has devolved into a personal matter, overshadowing the historical importance and the commercial relationship between the clubs.
The impact of this exchange of barbs and legal proceedings could influence the atmosphere of upcoming derbies and the institutional relations between the two Brazilian football giants. The expectation is that the situation will be resolved through legal channels or mediation that preserves the integrity of the clubs and the sport.
