
Soccer
Flamengo vs Sport: Find out how to buy tickets for the Brasileirão duel
08 Out 2025 | 11:36
Soccer
27 Mar 2024 | 08:54 |
The two-year punishment for Gabigol generated strong debate and different points of view on the rigidity of the judgment. To UOL, Ivan Pacheco, one of the TJ-AD auditors, explained how the court reached the final result.
"The penalty is based on the code. All procedural and legal rites were fulfilled. Nobody invented this penalty for Gabigol , there was no special trial because it was him. The rite followed strictly in accordance with the regulations", said Ivan Pacheco.
What happened?
Gabigol and Flamengo say they had were taken by surprise by the punishment. The player will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Flamengo understands that a punishment of this size only happened because it was Gabigol. The club believes that the top scorer gave visibility to the case. In the view of the red and black board, there was no fraud on the part of the player, but rather bad behavior.
Ivan Pacheco explained the reasons that led to a complaint and, subsequently, to the conviction: "The control, the collection of samples, the entire procedure from notifying athletes to sealing the samples and sending them to the laboratory follow an international standard. According to the control officers who collected Gabriel's samples, he did not maintain this standard. They characterized this as an attempt to fraud.".
Other experts consulted by UOL detail a "series of problems" on Gabi's part. A professional who preferred not to be identified highlighted that there was a lack of cordiality, in addition to irregularities in the delay in the collection and the way it was carried out.
Doping professionals classify the case as "unusual". Some even raise the question about what motivated this situation and the way the number 10 acted. The defense's thesis is that it was just bad behavior, in addition to pointing out some inconsistencies in statements during the session. These contradictions involve the team's arrival time at Ninho do Urubu and whether in fact no agent accompanied the urine collection.
Mengão has had a run of difficulty finding the net in a series of matches, which has contributed to results below expectations.
08 Out 2025 | 12:44 |
Flamengo is taking a break from the pitch due to the FIFA World Cup, but the team's recent form is raising alarm bells . In the last five games of the season, the team has scored just three goals and won just one match.
In its most recent matches, Flamengo only defeated Corinthians, 2-1, in a comeback, in the 25th round of the Brasileirão . Furthermore, it drew with Vasco and Cruzeiro, and was defeated by Estudiantes (Libertadores) and Bahia (Brasileirão). During this period, the team failed to score in three matches, an offensive performance well below expectations for a star-studded squad.
The red-and-black attack has been a source of concern for Filipe Luís. In the last ten games, the coach has repeated his attacking line only once: the trio of Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Pedro, who were together in the 8-0 rout of Vitória and the 1-1 draw with Grêmio. The lack of continuity and frequent changes have impacted the team's offensive fluidity, which struggles to convert possession into clear-cut chances.
With the calendar suspended, Filipe Luís is taking advantage of the period to recover worn-out players and correct tactical flaws . The 1-0 loss to Bahia cost Palmeiras the lead in the Brasileirão. Both teams have 55 points, but Flamengo is in second place due to wins, an advantage for the São Paulo team.
Flamengo's return to action will be on October 15th, against Botafogo, at 7:30 pm (Brasília time) at Nilton Santos Stadium, for the 28th round of the Brasileirão. The classic will be broadcast live on Premiere (pay-per-view) and promises to be an important test to gauge the squad's response after the FIFA World Cup break.
Exclusive investigation indicates that the midfielder is focused on Zenit and is not in talks with the São Paulo team; Mengão focuses on renewals for 2025
08 Out 2025 | 12:40 |
According to information released by journalist Felippe Facincani, Gerson would be willing to return to Brazilian football and had held initial talks with Palmeiras. However, an investigation by Gazeta do Urubu indicates that this information is untrue. The midfielder has been at Zenit for four months and has yet to make his full debut for the Russian club, as he is recovering from an injury suffered shortly after his arrival.
The player hasn't played in 50 days and hasn't even participated in a single official match for the St. Petersburg team . Therefore, negotiations with any Brazilian team are unlikely at this time. Sources close to the player assure that he remains focused on recovery and regaining his place in the Zenit squad.
Flamengo 's name was even considered, but a return is practically ruled out. The relationship between Marcão, Gerson's father and agent, and the Flamengo board has remained strained since the player's tumultuous departure. Furthermore, the squad already boasts recent midfield reinforcements like Jorginho and Saúl, which eliminates the need for new signings in that area.
On Palmeiras' side, although coach Abel Ferreira has been mentioned in some speculation, the São Paulo club is not in talks with the player. The investigation itself confirms that, to date, there has been no formal contact or concrete interest from the Palmeiras board.
While Gerson seeks a place in Russia, Flamengo 's board focuses its efforts on securing the continued presence of key players. José Boto is working on extending Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028 , reinforcing the club's long-term sporting plan.
The midfielder would be willing to return to Brazilian football, and representatives are in contact with the São Paulo team; Zenit agrees to negotiate in January
08 Out 2025 | 12:26 |
According to journalist Felippe Facincani, midfielder Gerson is reportedly interested in returning to Brazil next season . His staff is in initial talks with Palmeiras , although the process is still in the preliminary stages. The player, currently at Zenit, was acquired for €25 million (approximately R$157 million), which represents a financial obstacle for any interested Brazilian club.
The Russian team's board is reportedly willing to release the player in January , provided they receive a satisfactory offer. However, Gerson hasn't been a regular starter in Zenit's squad, which facilitates a possible negotiation.
A return to Flamengo is considered unlikely at this point. The relationship between Marcão, Gerson's father and agent, and the Flamengo board has remained strained since the player's tumultuous departure . Furthermore, the club recently signed defensive midfielders Jorginho and Saúl, bolstering the midfield and reducing the need for further investments in that area.
On the green and white side, Palmeiras appears to be the most viable option, mainly because it offers the player greater visibility. Gerson's goal is to play in the 2026 World Cup, and the showcase of Brazilian football could help him regain his place on the national team. Coach Abel Ferreira has reportedly already given the green light for a possible deal, although sources close to Gazeta do Urubu indicate that negotiations are currently underway.
While Gerson decides his future in Europe, Mengão's board is focusing its efforts on retaining key players . Executive director José Boto is working on extending Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028, aiming to ensure the Uruguayan midfielder remains a cornerstone of the team.