Vasco president Pedrinho will miss the club’s Copa Sudamericana semifinal after being diagnosed with facial cellulitis, coming right after winning an intense legal battle over the Maracanã.
Vasco da Gama president Pedrinho will not be present at the Maracanã for the decisive second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinal against Boca Juniors. Hospitalized in Barra da Tijuca, the former player and club president was diagnosed with facial cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics.
The news was first reported by journalist Lucas Pedrosa on the NETVASCO portal, detailing that the executive has facial swelling. Although his condition is not considered serious, doctors recommended complete rest, preventing him from traveling to the stadium this Tuesday (20), where the team takes the field looking to secure a spot in the continental final following a 1-0 win at La Bombonera, with a goal scored by Adson.
Legal Battle and Off-the-Field Strain
The president’s absence carries significant political and symbolic weight. In recent weeks, Pedrinho personally led the legal team to ensure the match took place at the Maracanã, following strong opposition from Fla-Flu Serviços S.A., the consortium managed by Flamengo and Fluminense. The stadium management tried to move the game, citing risks to the newly re-laid pitch following an NFL event, but the TJRJ and STJ courts guaranteed hosting rights to the São Januário club.
During the dispute, the rhetoric escalated significantly, leading to public clashes with rival executives.
The stance taken by stadium management represents pure cowardice toward our institution and our history
The president stated in a recent interview with ESPN, while also criticizing Flamengo president Bap amid cross-lawsuits between the parties.
Schedule Impact and Next Steps
While Vasco fans quickly sold out ticket allocations to support Pedro Emanuel‘s side, which needs only a draw to advance, logistics at Rio’s premier venue remain under pressure. Just 48 hours after the South American clash, Flamengo will host Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores on the very same pitch.
Despite controversies surrounding the short gap between matches and schedule changes for NBB basketball games at Maracanãzinho to avoid security conflicts, kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. local time. Boca Juniors needs to win by two goals to advance in regulation time, while a one-goal Argentine victory takes the tie to a penalty shootout. State rivalry will return to the pitch soon, with the Brazilian Serie A derby scheduled for October 29.
