Leila Pereira, from Bolsonaro’s ally to the first president of Palmeiras and stand against Alejandro Domínguez for an unfortunate comparison

Leila Pereira is not a woman who goes unnoticed. His name was on everyone’s lips when on December 15, 2021 he assumed in Palm trees as the first wife of one of the most important clubs in Brazil. He bet strongly. “I come to Palmeiras to get him champion of the world. It is my dream and I don’t care about the late time. I will get it, ”he promised.

That is the determination that characterized Pereira, 60, during an extensive career that consecrated her as A successful (and multimillionaire) businesswoman That a while ago he turned to politics. Owner of Crefisa -A credit company founded in 1964, today transformed into a bank- and the Faculty of the Americas (FAM), was always closely linked to the Paulista club, whose financial situation helped stabilize with its continuous contributions. And it is an ally policy of Jair Bolsonaro, with whom he shared at the Allianz Park La Consecration Day Stadium In the Brasileirao 2018.

He assumed the presidency at a time of great success for the team led by Abel Ferreira, which a few days before had won his second Copa Libertadores consecutive after defeating Flamengo in the Centenary of Montevideo. And just two months later he was very close to fulfilling that initial promise: Palmeiras lost the final of the Club World Cup before Chelsea with the agonizing both Kai Havertz in the 117 ‘minute. It will have revenge within a few months in the United States, where it will depart as a series head of Group A with Inter Miami, Porto and Ahly.

Despite his narrow link with Palmeiras, some point out that Leila Pereira is not originally from San Pablo, but from Rio de Janeiro. He was born in Cambuci and his past as a fan of Vasco da Gama is remembered with some irony, especially in the Paulista football environment. She is a lawyer and directs the aforementioned Financial Crefisa, which was one of the main investment sources in the club since 2015. Founded in 1964 by her father -in -law, that company played a central role in the purchase of players and in the financing of accumulated debts.

He reached Verdao During the presidency of Paulo Nobre, but it was under the mandate of Mauricio Galiotte when his relationship with the club was consolidated. His influence was such that it is estimated that The businesswoman invested more than 200 million dollars in the team, including a millionaire millionaire sponsorship contract. In 2019, he signed the largest advertising agreement in South America, with an annual budget close to 24 million dollars.

A relevant aspect to understand its ascending power was the approval of the Anonymous societies law in football (SAF), which allowed the entry of private capitals to Brazilian clubs. Anyway, although she managed to take Palmeiras to the top by conquering her second and third Copa Libertadores -the first had been in 1999 -the president was questioned about her financial management once she exercised as the highest president.

In 2020, it was calculated that The debt was around 180 million reais, Figure that the SAF law would allow to restructure over several years, but that continues to generate concern about the economic future of the club.

Sometimes, in addition, Pereira sponsored the “Green stain”, The Palmeiras brave bar, despite the violent connections of this group. This relationship generated criticism, but also consolidated it as a fundamental figure within the club.

Today, the future of the institution is still linked to its vision, which continues to bet on consolidation as a world power, although no doubt about the consequences of its financial decisions. With an eye on the Club World Cup, its ambition remains the engine that drives the team, while the football community closely observes how the next chapters of this story will develop.