On December 22, 2024, the Brazil Ladies Cup 2024 will witness its final clash between Bahia and Grêmio at the Estádio do Canindé, São Paulo. Scheduled to kick off at 16:00 local time, this exciting matchup is expected to be broadcasted by Band, BandSports, SporTV, and Canal GOAT.
The tournament has been marred by serious controversies which cast shadows over the achievements and celebrations surrounding women's football. Bahia reached the finals after edging out the Paraguayan national team with a narrow 1-0 victory. Meanwhile, Grêmio advanced to the final following the highly publicized disqualification of River Plate due to shocking incidents of racial abuse during their semi-final clash.
During the match against River Plate, which took place on December 20, the encounter devolved after Grêmio's equalizer by player Maria at the 34th minute. Subsequently, Candela Díaz, a midfielder for River Plate, was implicated in making racially charged gestures toward one of the ball boys. This incident escalated quickly, leading to violence on the pitch as other River players confronted the ball boy. Amid the chaos, six River Plate players were expelled from the game as the referee implemented tournament rules stipulating minimum player requirements for continued play. With the team reduced below the threshold, the match was called off, resulting in River Plate’s exclusion from the competition and subsequent suspension for the next two years.
Following the conclusion of this unprecedented situation, the organizing committee issued statements supporting victims of the incident, including legal aid for those involved. This response was not only disciplinary but also educational; actions promoting anti-racism will be prevalent during the final match.
Highlighting the troubling atmosphere surrounding the event, another incident of xenophobia has sparked outrage during the tournament. During the match between Bahia and Avaí/Kindermann on December 17, 2024, commentator Anderson Cheni made derogatory remarks linking Bahia’s players with stereotypes of laziness, affirming, "And then, the Bahia laziness, letting time pass…" This comment drew sharp rebuke from viewers, who labeled it as xenophobic. Esporte Clube Bahia expressed their discontent via social media, stating, "Laziness is something we should not tolerate, especially when it perpetuates harmful stereotypes."
These controversies create a charged atmosphere leading up to the final, raising questions about the environment within women's football. Marianita Nascimento, director of women’s football at Grêmio, acknowledged the psychological impact on her team, stating, "We are trying to build a positive environment of dialogue and comfort. The seriousness of the incidents requires us to take them seriously. Our focus is not just on winning but on how we conduct ourselves and our commitments."
Despite the heavy backdrop of these incidents, the final match is poised to focus on sporting excellence and resistance against discrimination. The Brazil Ladies Cup has pledged several initiatives to raise awareness and combat racism within sports. With Grêmio seeking their first Ladies Cup title, and Bahia aiming to reclaim their glory, the match will decisively be not just about the trophy but also about setting standards against discrimination.
Therefore, as fans gather at the Estádio do Canindé, the significance of this final extends beyond mere competition; it is a moment for reflection and a commitment to combat discrimination.
