Overview
- The Paulista opener kicks off at 16:00 at Neo Química Arena, with Corinthians hosting Ponte Preta.
- FIFA lifted Corinthians’ transfer ban on Jan. 9 after the club paid R$41.6 million to Santos Laguna to settle the Félix Torres debt.
- An agreement with the STJD keeps the match open to fans as Corinthians will transfer 30% of today’s gate and 15% from the upcoming São Paulo derby.
- Corinthians enter with a shortened squad as several regulars recover or resolve paperwork, youth players are promoted, and new signing Gabriel Paulista is not yet available.
- Ponte Preta cannot register 11 signings due to CNRD and FIFA blocks and will rely on academy players and improvisations as financial strain persists.