Casão bate um papo especial com Leila Pereira

Summary

The script shows an interview between journalist Casão and Leila Pereira, president of Brazilian football club Palmeiras. They discuss Leila's relationship with football growing up, her leadership as the first woman president of a major Brazilian club, Palmeiras' sponsorship deals, player transfers, her transparency with fans, as well as hopes for greater unity and organization in Brazilian football overall. There is also reflection on fan rivalries and the importance of respect between clubs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leila Pereira became president of Palmeiras because she believes her business experience can provide a new perspective and credibility to Brazilian football.
• 😊 All player signings and contract renewals at Palmeiras are decided jointly by the manager, director of football and president.
• 🧐 Leila claims there is no conflict of interest between her role as president and as sponsor through her companies Crefisa and FAM.
• 😮 Leila admits feeling lonely as the only woman in male-dominated football leadership roles.
• 😠 Leila feels some media and fans blame her more than others when Palmeiras loses.
• 🤔 Leila wants more transparency in Brazilian football finances to understand huge sponsorship deals.
• 😊 Leila has great admiration for all clubs and fans, wanting strong opponents to make an exciting league.
• 🤩 Leila implemented facial recognition at Allianz Parque to identify troublemakers and allow dual fan attendance.
• 😡 Leila is totally against single-fan games and wants to work to allow opposing fans back into stadiums.
• 🙂 Leila aims to unite the two Brazilian football leagues Liga Forte and Libra into one stronger body.

Q & A

What motivated Leila to run for Palmeiras presidency?

Leila said she ran for the Palmeiras presidency because she felt her experience as a businesswoman could give a different perspective to Brazilian football and add credibility which she felt was lacking.

How does Leila make decisions regarding player transfers?

Leila said that for transfers, the coach, the director of football and her decide together. The coach determines the position and needs, the scouts present options, the coach and director choose, and Leila approves based on the club's finances.

What does Leila think about clubs overspending on transfers but not paying player salaries?

Leila strongly criticized clubs for overspending on new players while not paying the salaries of current players already working hard for the team. She said clubs need to act responsibly within their means.

How did Leila originally become a Palmeiras fan?

Leila said she originally had no interest in football growing up. She became a Palmeiras fan later in life thanks to her husband's lifelong passion for the club.

What restrictions does Leila put on potential player transfers?

Leila wants extensive medical exams done so any new player must be ready to play immediately. She also prefers younger players but allows exceptions.

How does Leila respond to criticism that she only cares about her sponsorship company's interests?

Leila says there is no conflict of interest because her company's only financial tie to Palmeiras is the shirt sponsorship deal made years ago under the previous president.

What is Leila's view on single-team fan stands?

Leila is strongly against single-team stands, feeling the full spectacle of football requires both fan bases. She hopes new facial recognition can help safely allow opposing fans again.

How does Leila describe her leadership approach with Palmeiras?

Leila says she leads with transparency and competence, always fighting for what is best for Palmeiras. She admits to mistakes but learns from them.

What progress is there on the proposed new Brazilian football league?

After years of efforts Leila is hopeful a unified league is close but frustrated that all clubs want it yet no agreement has been finalized.

Does Leila feel respected by male football executives?

Leila feels lonely as the only woman but says she was elected president fairly and has tremendous male support. She wants opportunities for more women.