Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira has been suspended for eight matches by Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva), following incidents of disrespect toward referees during matches involving Palmeiras.
The disciplinary action relates to two separate games in the Brazilian league: a 1-0 win away at São Paulo FC on March 21 and a 2-1 home victory over Fluminense FC on February 25.
Six of the eight-match ban stem from the São Paulo derby, where Abel Ferreira was sent off for repeatedly protesting referee decisions “with gestures and words.” According to the report by judge Ana Luiza Ralil, his behavior was continuous and escalating throughout the match, involving offensive language and a hostile attitude.
The ruling emphasized that his conduct was especially serious given his leadership role as head coach, stating it demonstrated a pattern of behavior incompatible with sporting discipline.
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Abel Ferreira was sanctioned under Article 258 of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code (CBJD), which covers conduct contrary to sports ethics or discipline.
His legal team has already announced plans to appeal both decisions to the full STJD panel. He has already served two matches of suspension, corresponding to automatic bans from his red cards.
Despite the sanction, Palmeiras remains top of the league after 10 rounds, with 25 points—five ahead of both São Paulo and Fluminense.
Abel Ferreira, 47, has also strengthened his legacy at the club, becoming its most decorated coach after winning his 11th trophy in March, including his fourth São Paulo state championship title during more than five years in Brazil.
